My second dose of Herceptin had less side effects than the first. There is hope that every treatment will get easier. YEAH! The disappointing part is that I was at the Center for 5 hours for a 90 minute procedure. I was waiting in the waiting area for 2 hours. When I went to the desk to tell them I needed to reschedule my nurse was there in nothing flat. Just Crazy.
My hair is long enough to be messy after a good nights sleep. It is trying to be curly. Growing back the same color. If you have not seen me I would describe it as an outgrown army cut right now. It has been growing for 2 or 3 months now.
I have my next oncologist appt in Jan and my plastic surgeon I see in Jan. also. The next surgery is done as an outpatient and in the surgery area of the Dr. office. Sounds scary to me. But the easiest and last surgery of all!
Physical Therapy is coming to an end before Christmas too. I have 3 appointments left. Yippee!
I now can raise my arm over my head on an upswing. Well very close over my head. Loosening the joint is the biggest problem now since it has not moved a whole lot since Aug. 1.
The Anglim's wish for you to have the MERRIEST of Christmas this year and the HEALTHIEST New Year.
Peace
Kelly
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Nov Update
The first dose of Herceptin is on board. I received this dose on Nov. 5 over a period of 4 hours. They administered Benedryl by I.V. prior to the Herceptin drip. I had a reaction to this Benedryl. I guess I have not had it before but I had 250 mg and I almost fainted....felt loopy. So they slowed the drip down and I think that is why I was there so long. The paper says it should take 60 minutes once the I.V. is started. Side effects are flu like symptoms and I feel lucky. I was Bone Achy and had a head ache until Wednesday. So that is great I feel. Constant nose drip is common too. I have that also. I receive this drug once ever three weeks for one year. Next dose on NOV 26. I wanted to explain the dug a little better than I had in the past posts so this next information is straight off the information drug sheet they gave me at the doctors office.
What is Herceptin:
It is the only FDA- approved therapeutic drug for HER2 protein overexpressing metastatic breast cancer.
How Does Herceptin Work?
1. MAY Block tumor cell growth. Herceptin binds to HER2 positive cancer cells and may block them form dividing and growing.
2. Targets the cell for destruction by the immune system. HerCEPTIN attaches to the HER2 positive cancer cells and may signal the body's own immune system to destroy the cell.
Reading this information helped me understand better what is is and does.
My next surgery will be after Jan. 8 2008. I have an appointment with the plastic surgeon on this date and I will be informed when surgery will be at this appointment provided every thing is headed up from my mastectomy.
Physical therapy is still happening. I do feel there is progress being made but it is slow. My right is arm is 100% back to norma. My left may 60% or more. I can raise my hand to shoulder height with no help. If I am laying down I can make it get over my head straight with the help of holding a ball with two hands. I then need to bring it right back down because it is not at all comfortable.
The hair is growing. I need to comb it now. I think it is trying to be curly. Same color as before maybe darker. Rachel likes to touch it all the time and says on soft it is.
I am feeling really good these days. Mostly like normal. I don't feel like days pass without getting some things accomplished. I do have tired days but don't we all.
New Flash: I want you all to know that there will be a HUGE party when I am done on this HERCEPTIN DRUG. A Huge THANK YOU party. Thank YOU for YOU and what you have done and Thank you for health Party. You are all invited and know it will be in NOV. 2008.
Thank you EVERYONE! Everytbing you say and/or do mean a lot to me, on my bridge to health. Every day there are steps taken to cross that bridge and you all are a great strength. Thank you for holding my hand and/or lifting and carrying me when it has been needed the most.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!
Love
KElly
What is Herceptin:
It is the only FDA- approved therapeutic drug for HER2 protein overexpressing metastatic breast cancer.
How Does Herceptin Work?
1. MAY Block tumor cell growth. Herceptin binds to HER2 positive cancer cells and may block them form dividing and growing.
2. Targets the cell for destruction by the immune system. HerCEPTIN attaches to the HER2 positive cancer cells and may signal the body's own immune system to destroy the cell.
Reading this information helped me understand better what is is and does.
My next surgery will be after Jan. 8 2008. I have an appointment with the plastic surgeon on this date and I will be informed when surgery will be at this appointment provided every thing is headed up from my mastectomy.
Physical therapy is still happening. I do feel there is progress being made but it is slow. My right is arm is 100% back to norma. My left may 60% or more. I can raise my hand to shoulder height with no help. If I am laying down I can make it get over my head straight with the help of holding a ball with two hands. I then need to bring it right back down because it is not at all comfortable.
The hair is growing. I need to comb it now. I think it is trying to be curly. Same color as before maybe darker. Rachel likes to touch it all the time and says on soft it is.
I am feeling really good these days. Mostly like normal. I don't feel like days pass without getting some things accomplished. I do have tired days but don't we all.
New Flash: I want you all to know that there will be a HUGE party when I am done on this HERCEPTIN DRUG. A Huge THANK YOU party. Thank YOU for YOU and what you have done and Thank you for health Party. You are all invited and know it will be in NOV. 2008.
Thank you EVERYONE! Everytbing you say and/or do mean a lot to me, on my bridge to health. Every day there are steps taken to cross that bridge and you all are a great strength. Thank you for holding my hand and/or lifting and carrying me when it has been needed the most.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!
Love
KElly
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Herceptin
I will be starting the Herceptin drug on Nove 5. This drug is administered by IV. The first dose they drip very slowly for 90 minutes. Doses after are 60 minutes long. I will have this once every 3 weeks for one year. This Herceptin kills the Her2nu cell that was found in my tumor. Her2nu is a very fast growing cell. THey say this is the best drug out there for people that test positive with her2nu.
I have asked for the expansion process to be done so surgery should be 2 1/2 months- 3 months from oct 16th. I see that doctor Nov 2. I will be making sure I can have surgery while being on the herceptin drug.
I have had my follow up ultra sound on my throid and will se the thyroid doctor on November 14.
My hair is growing. I think I felt it blowing in the wind the other day. Paul thinks it is coming in a little darker than it was. I haven't thought so. The kids are use to me not wearing my wig or a scarf now.
I will keep posting as long as your reading.
Thanks for the prayers. Always needed.
Peace
Kelly
I have asked for the expansion process to be done so surgery should be 2 1/2 months- 3 months from oct 16th. I see that doctor Nov 2. I will be making sure I can have surgery while being on the herceptin drug.
I have had my follow up ultra sound on my throid and will se the thyroid doctor on November 14.
My hair is growing. I think I felt it blowing in the wind the other day. Paul thinks it is coming in a little darker than it was. I haven't thought so. The kids are use to me not wearing my wig or a scarf now.
I will keep posting as long as your reading.
Thanks for the prayers. Always needed.
Peace
Kelly
Monday, October 15, 2007
October News
I have been in Physical Therapy now for 1 month. Every monday, wednesday and friday for 1 hour. I have total range of motion in the right arm and I have improved 50 % in the left arm but have 75% more to go. It is working. But it is tough too.
I continue to have the expanders filled. I think that is coming to an end soon.
I still have tissue hardening from surgery which was Aug 1, then the expanders and the tightness from previous radiation. Makes me want to be done with the whole process.
I have been encouraged by lots of people to go big and perky. I just want perky and medium. Paul does not get a say in this matter. Sorry dear.
I have been getting my energy back more and more. I worked 8 hours today for the first time since slowly going back to work. With all my appointments that I still have with therapy and then dr appointments I seem to be coming and going all the time. But it is all good. I finally found time to see my primary care doctor this week.
I still have to start on the Herceptin drug that is IV administerd. I take that for one year. Once every three weeks. There are side effects but not as bad as chemo....so they say. I'm trying to get done with therapy before I start that but I'm callling this week to set that up.
My hair is coming back. I decided to be strong as I call it and went to work with no wig or scarf today. Everyone that said anything said it looked good, very becoming, cute, and I like it. Rachel thought I was brave when I told her I was going to work like that. It's coming back the same color and with a gray here and there. But I have learned very fast to like that gray too. And ohhh so baby soft.
I still take cumiden...the blood thinner for the blood clot that I had in my leg. My oncologist wants me on it for six months which would be after christmas.
I want you all to know that anytime I talk about my experience I always say that I could not have done it with out my family and friends. Every little thing helped in a major way. HUGE!
So even though I am back to my normal self. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. IF you brought a dinner over please email me the recipe because Paul never ate so goood. He keeps telling me how good this was and that was. I'd like to try some of them myself.
Love to all of you!
Peace
Kelly
I continue to have the expanders filled. I think that is coming to an end soon.
I still have tissue hardening from surgery which was Aug 1, then the expanders and the tightness from previous radiation. Makes me want to be done with the whole process.
I have been encouraged by lots of people to go big and perky. I just want perky and medium. Paul does not get a say in this matter. Sorry dear.
I have been getting my energy back more and more. I worked 8 hours today for the first time since slowly going back to work. With all my appointments that I still have with therapy and then dr appointments I seem to be coming and going all the time. But it is all good. I finally found time to see my primary care doctor this week.
I still have to start on the Herceptin drug that is IV administerd. I take that for one year. Once every three weeks. There are side effects but not as bad as chemo....so they say. I'm trying to get done with therapy before I start that but I'm callling this week to set that up.
My hair is coming back. I decided to be strong as I call it and went to work with no wig or scarf today. Everyone that said anything said it looked good, very becoming, cute, and I like it. Rachel thought I was brave when I told her I was going to work like that. It's coming back the same color and with a gray here and there. But I have learned very fast to like that gray too. And ohhh so baby soft.
I still take cumiden...the blood thinner for the blood clot that I had in my leg. My oncologist wants me on it for six months which would be after christmas.
I want you all to know that anytime I talk about my experience I always say that I could not have done it with out my family and friends. Every little thing helped in a major way. HUGE!
So even though I am back to my normal self. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. IF you brought a dinner over please email me the recipe because Paul never ate so goood. He keeps telling me how good this was and that was. I'd like to try some of them myself.
Love to all of you!
Peace
Kelly
Monday, September 10, 2007
Time
I realize some time has passed since my last update. I'm sorry for that. I have not had any news to share really. I have had a few Dr cancellations on their part and on mine so now we are up to date. Last week I had my firs injection for my expander's to stretch the skin needed for my perky implants that I will be getting. No matter what size you want to be they need to do this. I just feels like tightening of the skin for 5 days or so. I will be injected every 10-14 days. I went for my follow up appointment with the breast surgeon and she asked me to raise my arms up and I couldn't do it very well so she sent me for therapy. Today was my evaluation. It was not pleasant but it is needed. I will go for and hour every other day. My range of motion on the right arm, which had the simple mastectomy on is about 150 degrees with some help from the therapist. My range of motion on the left arm which had the modified mastectomy is about 70 degrees with a lot of help from the therapist. I see the oncologist on Thursday. Other than that I have been gradually getting more energy back. My hair is starting to grow back too. I had to shave my legs the other day. WOW! With school starting the kids are in to their routines and I can schedule all the medical appointments with out disrupting their day. I'll update again after my appointment with the oncologist on Thursday.
Stay warm. Brr it's cold out there.
Keep the prayers going for me.
Thanks a bundle.
Peace
Kelly
Stay warm. Brr it's cold out there.
Keep the prayers going for me.
Thanks a bundle.
Peace
Kelly
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Post Surgery
Surgery went just as planned. There was a slight delay of 10 minutes because the breast surgeon went to blodgett instead of spectrum. The entire surgery lasted the 4 hours they estimated with no surprises. The pathology report came back with one lymph node involved and a few specs of cancerous cells in some breast tissue but that all was removed. So I am on the road to recovery now. I was told 1-2 night stay after surgery but my breast surgeon and I agreed I needed one more night since my body had been through the chemo regeem so recently. I was discharged sat after lunch with drain tubes that Paul will need to drain, measure and record. I go to the doctor on Tuesday. IF the tubes are collecting less that a certain amount they can come out. Other wise they stay in for another week. For those with medical questions I had a modified radical mastectomy on the left side and a simple masectomy on the right side. The left was the cancerous side. Lymph nodes taken out on that side under the arm. More painful, bigger scar, more drainage than right side.
I am instructed not to lift more than a gallon of milk at this point. Heck I can barley open a pkg of gummy bears for the kids, that pulling action, wow. You use your chest muscles for a lot of things let me tell you. Hic ups-ouch, laughing-ouch,sneezing-ouch, choking-OUCH, leaning forward to stand from sitting = not pleasant and mind you no using your arms while trying to stand either. IT is all very painful but getting better every day. I started the first two days of surgery on morphine, now I am on Valium and some other good drug.
I thank everyone who helped take care of the kids since this journey began. It certainly helps their state of mind too.
Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts and flowers
I love you
Kelly
I am instructed not to lift more than a gallon of milk at this point. Heck I can barley open a pkg of gummy bears for the kids, that pulling action, wow. You use your chest muscles for a lot of things let me tell you. Hic ups-ouch, laughing-ouch,sneezing-ouch, choking-OUCH, leaning forward to stand from sitting = not pleasant and mind you no using your arms while trying to stand either. IT is all very painful but getting better every day. I started the first two days of surgery on morphine, now I am on Valium and some other good drug.
I thank everyone who helped take care of the kids since this journey began. It certainly helps their state of mind too.
Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts and flowers
I love you
Kelly
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Surgery Update
My appointment with the plastic surgeon was this past Tuesday. Another long appointment that started 40 minutes late but went fairly well. A lot of information to gather and to decide on. The two offices, one being the Dr's that will do the mastectomy and the plastic surgeon had penciled me in for Aug 1 prior to me arriving for this appointment. So that is when surgery is. Better for me.....less time to worry about what is about to happen. One of my Aunts called it a drive thru surgery cause I only stay in the hospital two nights max. I will be sent home with drain tubes for a week and Paul is the lucky one to deal with that.
So I am happy this is happening so that my goal of having all of this over in the year 2007 is still on track. I want to start 2008 fresh, with the whole family being healthy and happy.
So I am happy this is happening so that my goal of having all of this over in the year 2007 is still on track. I want to start 2008 fresh, with the whole family being healthy and happy.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
July
Hello
How is every one's summer going? I looked at the calendar and realized only 7 weeks and school will be starting again. How fast that is.
I saw the surgeon who will do my mastectomy and she referred me to a plastic surgeon and that appointment is next Tuesday. At or before that appointment I hope to have my mind decided on what type of reconstruction I will have if any. It the two surgeons can coordinate their schedules they would like to do surgery with in the next two - three weeks. The surgeon is very happy on the response the tumor had to the chemo.
I have not had chemo now for three weeks and I am gaining energy every day. My taste buds are returning and I am beginning to feel like myself again. I realized this when I started barking orders to the kids to start cleaning their rooms. :)
I will post again after my appointment next week.
Until then enjoy the weather and your summer!
Kelly
How is every one's summer going? I looked at the calendar and realized only 7 weeks and school will be starting again. How fast that is.
I saw the surgeon who will do my mastectomy and she referred me to a plastic surgeon and that appointment is next Tuesday. At or before that appointment I hope to have my mind decided on what type of reconstruction I will have if any. It the two surgeons can coordinate their schedules they would like to do surgery with in the next two - three weeks. The surgeon is very happy on the response the tumor had to the chemo.
I have not had chemo now for three weeks and I am gaining energy every day. My taste buds are returning and I am beginning to feel like myself again. I realized this when I started barking orders to the kids to start cleaning their rooms. :)
I will post again after my appointment next week.
Until then enjoy the weather and your summer!
Kelly
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Round #6
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
CHEMO IS DONE!
Yes you are reading right. I am done with Chemo. I do not need the 4 rounds of a different chemo.
All the prayers got me to this point. How can the words THANK YOU mean enough? Tears flow like a water fountain trying to express appreciation to you all that have prayed and thought of me and my family during this difficult journey.
The tumor has shrunk so much that it can not be felt by me or the doctor. I have an appointment in three weeks with the surgeon. I will then need to see a plastic surgeon also. I will not be having surgery for at least 5 weeks. 5 weeks it the recovery time needed from chemo. All exciting news.
This last round Paul says was the hardest on me. But I won't talk about that cause today is Saturday and I feel like the road to recovery is in front of me.
Yesterday I did a Survivior Lap in Lowell for relay for life. Lois(mom) was part of Curves' team. I called her at 11 am and told her I wasn't going to make it but then I called her at 3 and said I'd try. Let me tell you that is an emotional thing. And how fitting for it to be on the friday of my last week of chemo. The kids were in awe too. It was good for them to see that others suffer from this disease too and SURVIVE!
Thank you again and I will still post since the journey is still continuing.
Peace to you all!
CHEMO IS DONE!
Yes you are reading right. I am done with Chemo. I do not need the 4 rounds of a different chemo.
All the prayers got me to this point. How can the words THANK YOU mean enough? Tears flow like a water fountain trying to express appreciation to you all that have prayed and thought of me and my family during this difficult journey.
The tumor has shrunk so much that it can not be felt by me or the doctor. I have an appointment in three weeks with the surgeon. I will then need to see a plastic surgeon also. I will not be having surgery for at least 5 weeks. 5 weeks it the recovery time needed from chemo. All exciting news.
This last round Paul says was the hardest on me. But I won't talk about that cause today is Saturday and I feel like the road to recovery is in front of me.
Yesterday I did a Survivior Lap in Lowell for relay for life. Lois(mom) was part of Curves' team. I called her at 11 am and told her I wasn't going to make it but then I called her at 3 and said I'd try. Let me tell you that is an emotional thing. And how fitting for it to be on the friday of my last week of chemo. The kids were in awe too. It was good for them to see that others suffer from this disease too and SURVIVE!
Thank you again and I will still post since the journey is still continuing.
Peace to you all!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Round 5
I received news that the spot on my thyroid they saw on the CT scan is signs of a goiter not a tumor or cyst.
Monday when I went to the center just to have my blood counts checked I showed my nurse who administers the chemo a bruised looking vein on the back of my knee that was sore. She right away called someone and scheduled an ultrasound to rule out a blood clot. Well, it showed I have a small Deep Vein Thrombosis starting. Which is a blood clot. So now Paul has been giving me shots every day. I'll find out more in two days what is to come out of all of that.
Well round 5 was better than round 4 but just as bad as the past treatments.
My brother and sister in law took Emily and James for 3 nights. That was a big help and they enjoyed being with there cousins. Rachel stayed home because she had cheer leading camp. Friends took her one night and another friend had her swimming all day another day. My parents left for Alaska on the Sunday before Round 5. They have since returned. Our exchange student Amy left on Thursday of Round 5. Fathers Day was spent at home with my brother Dana and sister in law Deb coming over. I can't be in the sun, so we couldn't go to the beach. And they couldn't go to the beach because their son couldn't go swimming because he has close to 100 stitches in his leg from a baseball accident. So we stayed home and grilled out in the muggy hot weather. But it was nice.
This Monday is my last round of this type of Chemo. After this I should have 4 rounds of another type. I always get updated at my doctors appointment before I receive treatment.
My biggest complaint during my good week is ; I have sores in my mouth. They are under my tongue, on my gums, in my throat. I have medicine called BMX (Benedryl, Maalox, and something else.)that numbs the sores so I can eat. But there is no joy in food. I can't taste it!
This week the kids have an afternoon class they are each taking thru school. Rachel is taking a science class, Emily is taking cooking, and James is taking Jungle Journey. James also will be participating in Soccer camp in the evening. Emily just finished a week worth of basketball camp.
Paul is still keeping up with all he needs to around the house and with the kids.
Even one more round doesn't sound great to me but it is only one more bad week. YUCK!
I do know that with out all of you I would have not been able to cope with all this.
Thank you is due but it could never do enough to show my appreciation!
Hopefully I will be online and happy enough to update you in 7 days. Until then...
Love Kelly
Monday when I went to the center just to have my blood counts checked I showed my nurse who administers the chemo a bruised looking vein on the back of my knee that was sore. She right away called someone and scheduled an ultrasound to rule out a blood clot. Well, it showed I have a small Deep Vein Thrombosis starting. Which is a blood clot. So now Paul has been giving me shots every day. I'll find out more in two days what is to come out of all of that.
Well round 5 was better than round 4 but just as bad as the past treatments.
My brother and sister in law took Emily and James for 3 nights. That was a big help and they enjoyed being with there cousins. Rachel stayed home because she had cheer leading camp. Friends took her one night and another friend had her swimming all day another day. My parents left for Alaska on the Sunday before Round 5. They have since returned. Our exchange student Amy left on Thursday of Round 5. Fathers Day was spent at home with my brother Dana and sister in law Deb coming over. I can't be in the sun, so we couldn't go to the beach. And they couldn't go to the beach because their son couldn't go swimming because he has close to 100 stitches in his leg from a baseball accident. So we stayed home and grilled out in the muggy hot weather. But it was nice.
This Monday is my last round of this type of Chemo. After this I should have 4 rounds of another type. I always get updated at my doctors appointment before I receive treatment.
My biggest complaint during my good week is ; I have sores in my mouth. They are under my tongue, on my gums, in my throat. I have medicine called BMX (Benedryl, Maalox, and something else.)that numbs the sores so I can eat. But there is no joy in food. I can't taste it!
This week the kids have an afternoon class they are each taking thru school. Rachel is taking a science class, Emily is taking cooking, and James is taking Jungle Journey. James also will be participating in Soccer camp in the evening. Emily just finished a week worth of basketball camp.
Paul is still keeping up with all he needs to around the house and with the kids.
Even one more round doesn't sound great to me but it is only one more bad week. YUCK!
I do know that with out all of you I would have not been able to cope with all this.
Thank you is due but it could never do enough to show my appreciation!
Hopefully I will be online and happy enough to update you in 7 days. Until then...
Love Kelly
No Internet
Sorry for the delay in the updates. I have been without internet for 5 or more days. I still am not sure what the problem was but an A T T repairman was at my house for 2 1/2 hours and did nothing but play on my computer and left and said I should be all set. Well I wasn't. And the next morning I was on the phone and they got me back on line so now I'll update you all.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Round #4
This was the worse week since starting treatments. My dosage was increased again and I was actually vomiting Tuesday night. Wednesday I went to the chemo center and had a bag of iv fluids. Another 3 hours at the doctors. But it was worth the visit cause my doctors nurse practicioner came in to see me and thinks that we should talk to the doctor again about the dosage and the way I feel. I will be voicing my opinion about the dosage of chemo and the effects it has on me. I want to be human while recieving this treatment. To think that I was told that "most people continue to work while recieving treatment" . I would like to meet one of those people.
Well the most important thing is "its working". The chemo and all the prayers. The tumor has shrunk. Pray for some strength and comfort for me . Can't hurt to ask right? I always believe you ask for it all. Doesn't mean you'll get it but it can't hurt trying. When you enter a tournament you don't just try to win a game.....you want to win the WHOLE D>>> THING! If you buy a lottery ticket you want to win big but your satisfied if you get your 2 dollars back. RIGHT? I know you all are here on this.
Paul is going to need a vacation from all of this real soon. I can't imagine being in his shoes either.
School is out in three days. The children are looking forward to not having to wake up early but we all know they will be crying that they are bored in the next two weeks. They all are signed up for some sort of sports camp. And then they will also take a fun summer class also. This all takes place in June.
I hope you are healthy and that summer treats everyone very nicely.
Never lose HOPE!
Thanks again for the prayers, the thoughts, the dinners, and all the other acts of kindness.
Kelly
Well the most important thing is "its working". The chemo and all the prayers. The tumor has shrunk. Pray for some strength and comfort for me . Can't hurt to ask right? I always believe you ask for it all. Doesn't mean you'll get it but it can't hurt trying. When you enter a tournament you don't just try to win a game.....you want to win the WHOLE D>>> THING! If you buy a lottery ticket you want to win big but your satisfied if you get your 2 dollars back. RIGHT? I know you all are here on this.
Paul is going to need a vacation from all of this real soon. I can't imagine being in his shoes either.
School is out in three days. The children are looking forward to not having to wake up early but we all know they will be crying that they are bored in the next two weeks. They all are signed up for some sort of sports camp. And then they will also take a fun summer class also. This all takes place in June.
I hope you are healthy and that summer treats everyone very nicely.
Never lose HOPE!
Thanks again for the prayers, the thoughts, the dinners, and all the other acts of kindness.
Kelly
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Round #3
It doesn't seem like 12 days have passed since I lasted posted something. Sorry about that.
I'll try to remember things since the 8Th of May to catch you up. I do have the "chemo brain" so you'll have to excuse me if I can't remember much.
Between the 8Th and the 11Th I had very good days. Ate for loss days from the week before. I think I lose 2-4 pounds my chemo week and end up gaining it back my non-chemo week. On the 12Th we spent the evening around a campfire and Jack and Lois', (my parents) for Mother's Day. It was relaxing. On Sunday the kids gave me a real nice lounge chair for the deck. Now I want to find an umbrella that has a base on it. Our neighbors recently bought one. I need to be in the shade and there isn't any in our back yard. The kids will be in the pool soon. We also celebrated two nieces birthday's and our Aunt Junes house and that was nice too.
Then back to reality. Round 3 of Chemo was Monday the 14Th. I see the doctor prior to every treatment. Dr. Campbell is my oncologist. He thought that the tumor has shrunk. And I agreed. I questioned how many treatments I will have and he said for now his plan is for me too have 6 rounds of the current chemo I am taking and then 4 rounds of another mix of chemo. I was happy with that answer because it is 2 rounds less that what he said in the beginning. The last four rounds in a different mix to try to trick those cancer cells that may a little different but still cancerous. More or less the stubborn ones. So I was happy when I left to his office. By the time I was in my chair to receive treatment my mood changed drastically. My nurse told me that the doctor wrote orders to increase my dosage of chemo. Kelly was not a happy camper! My port is a pest. The nurse has to get a blood return before she can start any IV and mine has not without having me wait 15 minutes. That always puts me behind on the schedule. Well to say the least it was a bad week. I'm sure the fluids that I received on Tuesday helped. I probably would have felt worse without it. I still get a real bad head ache starting on Tues evening and lasting through Wednesday. Friday I started to feel better, but Saturday was more like my Friday's of the past.
Rachel broke her arm on Monday of Round 3. She was riding her bike and fell off. Dad and her spent 6 1/2 hours at ER. We see the orthopedic doctor on Thursday for her. Her hand was too swollen for them to cast it. She had a rough week with the pain but she pulled through and even participated in her GIRLS ON THE RUN 5k race on Saturday. We were real proud that she finished because she has had trouble with her foot for so long. But she jogged and walked and she was real proud of herself.
Emily and James and Paul are doing great. We signed the kids up for some summer activities. School is almost done for the year.
Round 4 shall be interesting. The office is closed on MEMORIAL DAY. YEAH! However all the patients that normally go on Monday's will be seen on Tuesday along with all the Tuesday Patients. HOW IS THAT GOING TO WORK! I will also request my old dosage. I can at least ask right?
This week is full of appointments. Monday I see the surgeon. Wednesday I see the thyroid surgeon and Thursday Rachel has her appointment.
Thanks for the prayers. I know there are a lot of you out there saying them. I know all of them help me feel better.
The great love of GOD is an ocean without a bottom or a shore. C.H. Spurgeon
I'll try to remember things since the 8Th of May to catch you up. I do have the "chemo brain" so you'll have to excuse me if I can't remember much.
Between the 8Th and the 11Th I had very good days. Ate for loss days from the week before. I think I lose 2-4 pounds my chemo week and end up gaining it back my non-chemo week. On the 12Th we spent the evening around a campfire and Jack and Lois', (my parents) for Mother's Day. It was relaxing. On Sunday the kids gave me a real nice lounge chair for the deck. Now I want to find an umbrella that has a base on it. Our neighbors recently bought one. I need to be in the shade and there isn't any in our back yard. The kids will be in the pool soon. We also celebrated two nieces birthday's and our Aunt Junes house and that was nice too.
Then back to reality. Round 3 of Chemo was Monday the 14Th. I see the doctor prior to every treatment. Dr. Campbell is my oncologist. He thought that the tumor has shrunk. And I agreed. I questioned how many treatments I will have and he said for now his plan is for me too have 6 rounds of the current chemo I am taking and then 4 rounds of another mix of chemo. I was happy with that answer because it is 2 rounds less that what he said in the beginning. The last four rounds in a different mix to try to trick those cancer cells that may a little different but still cancerous. More or less the stubborn ones. So I was happy when I left to his office. By the time I was in my chair to receive treatment my mood changed drastically. My nurse told me that the doctor wrote orders to increase my dosage of chemo. Kelly was not a happy camper! My port is a pest. The nurse has to get a blood return before she can start any IV and mine has not without having me wait 15 minutes. That always puts me behind on the schedule. Well to say the least it was a bad week. I'm sure the fluids that I received on Tuesday helped. I probably would have felt worse without it. I still get a real bad head ache starting on Tues evening and lasting through Wednesday. Friday I started to feel better, but Saturday was more like my Friday's of the past.
Rachel broke her arm on Monday of Round 3. She was riding her bike and fell off. Dad and her spent 6 1/2 hours at ER. We see the orthopedic doctor on Thursday for her. Her hand was too swollen for them to cast it. She had a rough week with the pain but she pulled through and even participated in her GIRLS ON THE RUN 5k race on Saturday. We were real proud that she finished because she has had trouble with her foot for so long. But she jogged and walked and she was real proud of herself.
Emily and James and Paul are doing great. We signed the kids up for some summer activities. School is almost done for the year.
Round 4 shall be interesting. The office is closed on MEMORIAL DAY. YEAH! However all the patients that normally go on Monday's will be seen on Tuesday along with all the Tuesday Patients. HOW IS THAT GOING TO WORK! I will also request my old dosage. I can at least ask right?
This week is full of appointments. Monday I see the surgeon. Wednesday I see the thyroid surgeon and Thursday Rachel has her appointment.
Thanks for the prayers. I know there are a lot of you out there saying them. I know all of them help me feel better.
The great love of GOD is an ocean without a bottom or a shore. C.H. Spurgeon
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Updates
Overall I think I had a clearer head with the 2ND round of treatment. I was still down for three days after though. So this next treatment coming up on Monday the 14Th, I will get 2-3 hours of IV fluids the day after. Hopefully this will give me some energy to get out of bed and eat or drink something. I figured it was worth a try.
People are asking about my bone scan results and I see it isn't posted anywhere. The bone scan was clean.
I made one of my goals last week. That was I made it to my nephews graduation on Saturday. I did give in to the first goal of trying to make it to Lansing on Friday too. I do seem to try to make up for lost days once I am feeling good. On Sunday I woke up in time to make it to 8:30 mass, then we went to Holland to watch a different nephew play a baseball game. Monday and Tuesday I went to work, Rachel and Emily had a game of their own tonight and Rachel made an out so we got to go to the ice cream store. YEAH!
I think it is going to be an up and down thing for me. It could be all down so I can't complain about it in that respect. The hair started falling out last Wednesday I think. So I went and had my head shaved. I bought a wig. Some people say they like my new hair, and others say they couldn't tell. I think it looks pretty real myself. The kids are comfortable with it.
I do like when I take it off. It feels like freedom when it is off. I guess imagine wearing a brace on your head and then taking it off. The release of pressure is such a relief. I am not bald yet. I don't look in the mirror too much with out something on my head. I am sure in time I will be able too. Paul offered to shave his head too. But I asked him to grow his since I can't have any. I'm not sure if I will win that suggestion.
Again, I want to thank everyone for their support. In whatever you have done. A thought, a prayer, an act of kindness. It all means a great deal. Tears come to my eyes every time I write to tell you thank you. It is awesome what you do. And you know what you have done. Feel the love come right back to you. Thank You!
People are asking about my bone scan results and I see it isn't posted anywhere. The bone scan was clean.
I made one of my goals last week. That was I made it to my nephews graduation on Saturday. I did give in to the first goal of trying to make it to Lansing on Friday too. I do seem to try to make up for lost days once I am feeling good. On Sunday I woke up in time to make it to 8:30 mass, then we went to Holland to watch a different nephew play a baseball game. Monday and Tuesday I went to work, Rachel and Emily had a game of their own tonight and Rachel made an out so we got to go to the ice cream store. YEAH!
I think it is going to be an up and down thing for me. It could be all down so I can't complain about it in that respect. The hair started falling out last Wednesday I think. So I went and had my head shaved. I bought a wig. Some people say they like my new hair, and others say they couldn't tell. I think it looks pretty real myself. The kids are comfortable with it.
I do like when I take it off. It feels like freedom when it is off. I guess imagine wearing a brace on your head and then taking it off. The release of pressure is such a relief. I am not bald yet. I don't look in the mirror too much with out something on my head. I am sure in time I will be able too. Paul offered to shave his head too. But I asked him to grow his since I can't have any. I'm not sure if I will win that suggestion.
Again, I want to thank everyone for their support. In whatever you have done. A thought, a prayer, an act of kindness. It all means a great deal. Tears come to my eyes every time I write to tell you thank you. It is awesome what you do. And you know what you have done. Feel the love come right back to you. Thank You!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Round #2
I'll start off by complaining. The doctor's office request that you arrive 1/2 hour early for your appointments. So Paul and I arrived at 10 for my 10:30 appointment. At 10 15 they called me for my blood tests. This is in a different area than the doctor's office. I sent Paul back to the doctors waiting area in case they called my name then he could let them know where I was. They are suppose to draw blood through my port. After three tries and no blood she gave up and said she would try again after my Dr. appointment. So back to the other side of the building I went. I think we waited another 15 minutes and then I saw the doctor. They gave me a steroid perscription to take to help with my energy level. They were very surprised about how hard the chemo effected me.
After the doctors appointment I had to wait in yet another waiting area for the chemo treatment. That was suppose to start at 11 am. It was noon and I was starving so I asked Paul to go get us some lunch. So he left and came back with lunch and I was finally called back to start the chemo. I was not doing anything but sitting in the chair until finally At 1 o'clock the nurse tried again to draw blood but couldn't get any to come out of the port. That is scary to me. And then finally started the chemo. I left the place at 5pm. NOT A HAPPY PATIENT. I did eat dinner when I got home but then went straight to bed. Your head just feels so full of muck. I had the dry mouth and eyes again. And between the nausea and the thunder it was a sleepless night for Paul and I again. I slept from 5 am 9 am and that felt good. I got up and took a shower and that took all my energy out of me. I fell asleep again with out drying my hair. After I had some soup I knew I had to get ready to go get my nulasta shot. So I had to wet my hair and dry it with the dryer. Well hair started to fly around in the air. Like falling out of my head. Not a lot but a sign of what is to come. Then it was time to go get my shot at 4pm today. My mom came to bring me and we arrived at 3:50. At 4:30 I asked someone to please find someone for my shot. They called me back but I waited another 20 minutes before I was helped. Just not my luck this week so far.
I'm feeling not so out of it today. Yet I am fatigued still. I didn't even think of going to work today. I've asked work people to send me home when they think I look out of it like the last time I showed up.
The meals that people are bringing are of great help. With never knowing when I'll get home from appointments and the kids coming and going there is no way Paul could add cooking to his HONEY DO List.
We again thank you for all the thoughts, prayers and cards.
10 more rounds to go!
After the doctors appointment I had to wait in yet another waiting area for the chemo treatment. That was suppose to start at 11 am. It was noon and I was starving so I asked Paul to go get us some lunch. So he left and came back with lunch and I was finally called back to start the chemo. I was not doing anything but sitting in the chair until finally At 1 o'clock the nurse tried again to draw blood but couldn't get any to come out of the port. That is scary to me. And then finally started the chemo. I left the place at 5pm. NOT A HAPPY PATIENT. I did eat dinner when I got home but then went straight to bed. Your head just feels so full of muck. I had the dry mouth and eyes again. And between the nausea and the thunder it was a sleepless night for Paul and I again. I slept from 5 am 9 am and that felt good. I got up and took a shower and that took all my energy out of me. I fell asleep again with out drying my hair. After I had some soup I knew I had to get ready to go get my nulasta shot. So I had to wet my hair and dry it with the dryer. Well hair started to fly around in the air. Like falling out of my head. Not a lot but a sign of what is to come. Then it was time to go get my shot at 4pm today. My mom came to bring me and we arrived at 3:50. At 4:30 I asked someone to please find someone for my shot. They called me back but I waited another 20 minutes before I was helped. Just not my luck this week so far.
I'm feeling not so out of it today. Yet I am fatigued still. I didn't even think of going to work today. I've asked work people to send me home when they think I look out of it like the last time I showed up.
The meals that people are bringing are of great help. With never knowing when I'll get home from appointments and the kids coming and going there is no way Paul could add cooking to his HONEY DO List.
We again thank you for all the thoughts, prayers and cards.
10 more rounds to go!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Stronger
Well everyday since Monday of this week I felt a little stronger in body and a lot stronger in mind. The energy level was higher everyday. I did have a few days where the bones were achy enough for me to complain about. On those days the aches were bad enough to keep me up for most of the night . But I'll take that over the feelings I had the days after my treatment. This week I was able to go to work a few mornings, I weeded my small flower garden on the side of the garage and was even able to put some weed n feed on the grass. I even had two nights where I slept all night long with out waking up once. So all in all a pretty good darn week.
It looks like the weather is even going to cooperate for some more sunshine on the weekend before my next treatment.
My goals for next week are: 1. talk to the doctor about how I felt after the first treatment and then hopefully they can adjust either the chemo level or the nausea medicine. 2. Not be down for the count for so long, or not at all. 3. Make it to my eldest nephew's/godsons Honors graduation in Lansing on Friday the 4Th. and 4. Make it to his MSU college graduation on the 5Th .
I THANK everyone, family and friends, for the meals they have brought or will be bringing. THANK YOU! And another THANK YOU for everyone that has sent a card letting us know that you are praying for us and thinking of us. Or those that have posted letting us know the same. I am over whelmed at the thoughtfulness of everyone. Even those that offer to help and want us to call when we need something. We can't even think of enough things for people to do.
All I can say is THANK YOU, and all of this support just helps me fight harder, and to be braver. Please keep the thoughts and prayers going.
I love you all.
THANK YOU
It looks like the weather is even going to cooperate for some more sunshine on the weekend before my next treatment.
My goals for next week are: 1. talk to the doctor about how I felt after the first treatment and then hopefully they can adjust either the chemo level or the nausea medicine. 2. Not be down for the count for so long, or not at all. 3. Make it to my eldest nephew's/godsons Honors graduation in Lansing on Friday the 4Th. and 4. Make it to his MSU college graduation on the 5Th .
I THANK everyone, family and friends, for the meals they have brought or will be bringing. THANK YOU! And another THANK YOU for everyone that has sent a card letting us know that you are praying for us and thinking of us. Or those that have posted letting us know the same. I am over whelmed at the thoughtfulness of everyone. Even those that offer to help and want us to call when we need something. We can't even think of enough things for people to do.
All I can say is THANK YOU, and all of this support just helps me fight harder, and to be braver. Please keep the thoughts and prayers going.
I love you all.
THANK YOU
Friday, April 20, 2007
Where did the time go
Whew! I don't know where Tue., Wed, or Thursday morning went. I do remember going to work Tuesday morning. I don't know how long I was there. Maybe 2 hours at the most. I left feeling tired and went right home and fell asleep. And I never got out of bed until Thursday late morning. Talk about knocking you down. I am not suppose to feel nauseated. I have two different pills I can take at home plus the one that was given by IV during chemo. My nurse told me tolerable is not good enough. So I hope the next treatment goes better than the first. People called, and I am told I talked. Sorry I don't remember. I even had a visitor and I don't remember that either. I know my kids got themselves ready for school by themselves wednesday morning and I woke up just in time to bring them to school. I don't know how that happened either.
I feel human again on this beautiful day. I wish I could be out gardening or mowing the grass. James needs to learn to ride his two wheeler this summer. Rachel's birthday is in 10 days. Emily and Rachel are playing on the same coach pitch softball team and James is playing his second year of tball. I just hope I don't miss to many of the great days ahead.
Paul is managing all the household stuff beautifully. I would never have known I was out that long by looking at the house. Laundry included. I do not know how he is functioning any better than I though. Playing nurse, daddy daycare, and working full time. And his patient keeping him awake every 3 or 4hours. He's our CAPTAIN of our ship.
For now my schedule is like this. On the 23rd of April and every other Monday after that I have my blood counts checked. I have a bone scan next week, and I have to see the thyroid doctor yet. And every Tuesday I have to have a shot of neulasta. And no that is not a drink.
Thank you for the prayers and the thoughts. I don't know what I would feel like with out all them. I don't want to know either.
I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. Jimmy Dean
I feel human again on this beautiful day. I wish I could be out gardening or mowing the grass. James needs to learn to ride his two wheeler this summer. Rachel's birthday is in 10 days. Emily and Rachel are playing on the same coach pitch softball team and James is playing his second year of tball. I just hope I don't miss to many of the great days ahead.
Paul is managing all the household stuff beautifully. I would never have known I was out that long by looking at the house. Laundry included. I do not know how he is functioning any better than I though. Playing nurse, daddy daycare, and working full time. And his patient keeping him awake every 3 or 4hours. He's our CAPTAIN of our ship.
For now my schedule is like this. On the 23rd of April and every other Monday after that I have my blood counts checked. I have a bone scan next week, and I have to see the thyroid doctor yet. And every Tuesday I have to have a shot of neulasta. And no that is not a drink.
Thank you for the prayers and the thoughts. I don't know what I would feel like with out all them. I don't want to know either.
I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. Jimmy Dean
Monday, April 16, 2007
No warnings issued!
Good Grief when did the sand storm hit. I fell asleep at 8:30 or a little earlier and I woke up at 10:30 and couldn't swallow anything and I couldn't open my eyes because they were so dry. Good thing we take breaks from the game to rest. All of these things, the dryness are side effects to the three chemo drugs that I am given. Hard candy, eye drops, plenty of fluids, water in particular. I had 115 oz of water today, Went to the bathroom that many times too. And I feel like I am floating still.
I talked to one person and she said she checked the blog to see if I posted. So I thought, since I was awake that I could do that for all of you. I had no energy when I got home to get on the computer because of a head ache. I layed on the couch and then warmed up the meal that was brought to us. I had a good appetite for that. Our exchange student, Amy is liking these different recipes. She is a fan of American food. I probably could have just asked everyone for a recipe and you all would have obliged graciously without me getting this cancer.
I will always go to Chemo on Mondays at 11 am. It took more that 4 hours today. But on a good day I think I should be home at 3:30 or so. On Tuesdays, after my treatment I have to go and get a shot that will boost my blood counts. Side effects to that could be bone achenes and something else that I can't think of.
So to sum my first treatment up. It is not bad receiving the chemo itself while it is being administered. The first drug gave me a headache and they slowed it down going into the IV, gave me Tylenol and a warm cloth. It seemed to cut the edge. All in the forehead and Sinus area. I felt tired a little when leaving the building but not bad. By the time I got home I wanted to lay down and did.
The kids were good. Paul had to run everyone to Ball practice at 4:30 and then pick them up at 6:00 run everyone home and bring Emily to Piano at 6:30. He'll have to do it one more time and then softball practice and baseball practice will be over. No practices once game starts.
So Only one more crazy Monday.
I know God will carry me when I am weak. I just don't like knowing when I am going to be weak. You always depend on team mates to be there. GOD is always the one to come through for the big play. I guess that is how he keeps us close. He'll always be ready, to open the door, listen, carry and gently put you back down.
Thanks for carrying my family and friends.
Love from me to you
Kelly
I talked to one person and she said she checked the blog to see if I posted. So I thought, since I was awake that I could do that for all of you. I had no energy when I got home to get on the computer because of a head ache. I layed on the couch and then warmed up the meal that was brought to us. I had a good appetite for that. Our exchange student, Amy is liking these different recipes. She is a fan of American food. I probably could have just asked everyone for a recipe and you all would have obliged graciously without me getting this cancer.
I will always go to Chemo on Mondays at 11 am. It took more that 4 hours today. But on a good day I think I should be home at 3:30 or so. On Tuesdays, after my treatment I have to go and get a shot that will boost my blood counts. Side effects to that could be bone achenes and something else that I can't think of.
So to sum my first treatment up. It is not bad receiving the chemo itself while it is being administered. The first drug gave me a headache and they slowed it down going into the IV, gave me Tylenol and a warm cloth. It seemed to cut the edge. All in the forehead and Sinus area. I felt tired a little when leaving the building but not bad. By the time I got home I wanted to lay down and did.
The kids were good. Paul had to run everyone to Ball practice at 4:30 and then pick them up at 6:00 run everyone home and bring Emily to Piano at 6:30. He'll have to do it one more time and then softball practice and baseball practice will be over. No practices once game starts.
So Only one more crazy Monday.
I know God will carry me when I am weak. I just don't like knowing when I am going to be weak. You always depend on team mates to be there. GOD is always the one to come through for the big play. I guess that is how he keeps us close. He'll always be ready, to open the door, listen, carry and gently put you back down.
Thanks for carrying my family and friends.
Love from me to you
Kelly
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Annointing of the Sick
I invite all to come to St. Pius X, for 5:30 Mass today, April 14, 2007. After mass Father Chris will celebrate the sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick with me and my family and friends.
Paul and I had a glass of Aste and the used the neighbors hot tub. After some time in the hot tub I took a Tylenol PM and I fell asleep before that kicked in. I still woke up at 1 a.m, which seems to be my internal panic time. But I fell right back to sleep until 6 am. So every day a few more hours are added to the rest time.
Getting nervous for monday. 4 hours is a long time to be at a doctors office let alone sitting in the same spot. Sounds like Big PHUN.
IT's been a long first inning, I don't think I've ever played that long of an inning. The Cancer team scored a few runs, and they are acting a little cocky over in there dug out. They were even picked to win this game. We, the Anglim team didn't get an ounce of ink in the press. Well they don't know who they are messing with. Tonight we'll announce our most important player, through the sacrament. . I bet nobody told the Cancer team about GOD playing on our team. Our whole line up is strong. Are you with me? GOOOOOOO KELLY! GOOOOO TEAM!!!!!!!!!!
Paul and I had a glass of Aste and the used the neighbors hot tub. After some time in the hot tub I took a Tylenol PM and I fell asleep before that kicked in. I still woke up at 1 a.m, which seems to be my internal panic time. But I fell right back to sleep until 6 am. So every day a few more hours are added to the rest time.
Getting nervous for monday. 4 hours is a long time to be at a doctors office let alone sitting in the same spot. Sounds like Big PHUN.
IT's been a long first inning, I don't think I've ever played that long of an inning. The Cancer team scored a few runs, and they are acting a little cocky over in there dug out. They were even picked to win this game. We, the Anglim team didn't get an ounce of ink in the press. Well they don't know who they are messing with. Tonight we'll announce our most important player, through the sacrament. . I bet nobody told the Cancer team about GOD playing on our team. Our whole line up is strong. Are you with me? GOOOOOOO KELLY! GOOOOO TEAM!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, April 13, 2007
Breast Cancer Stamp Booklet
It would be wonderful if 2007 was the year a cure for breast cancer w as found!!!!
The notion that we could raise $35 million by buying a book of stamps is powerful! As you may be aware, the US Postal Service recently released its new "Fund the Cure" stamp to help fund breast cancer research. The stamp was designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda , Maryland . It is important that we take a stand against this disease that affects so many of our Mothers, Sisters and Friends. Instead of the normal 39 cents for a stamp, this one costs 45 cents The additional 6 cents will go to breast cancer research A "normal" book costs $7.80. This one is only $9.00. It takes a few minutes in line at the Post Office and means so much. If all stamps are sold, it will raise an additional $35,000,000 for this vital research. Just as important as the money is our support. What a statement it would make if the stamp outsold the lottery this week. What a statement it would make that we care.
I urge you to do two things TODAY: 1. Go out and purchase some of these stamps. 2. E-mail your friends to do the same. Many of us know women and their families whose lives are turned upside-down by breast cancer. It takes so little to do so much in this drive We can all afford the $1.20. Please help & pass it on. Do it for me. You are my friend.
Kelly
The notion that we could raise $35 million by buying a book of stamps is powerful! As you may be aware, the US Postal Service recently released its new "Fund the Cure" stamp to help fund breast cancer research. The stamp was designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda , Maryland . It is important that we take a stand against this disease that affects so many of our Mothers, Sisters and Friends. Instead of the normal 39 cents for a stamp, this one costs 45 cents The additional 6 cents will go to breast cancer research A "normal" book costs $7.80. This one is only $9.00. It takes a few minutes in line at the Post Office and means so much. If all stamps are sold, it will raise an additional $35,000,000 for this vital research. Just as important as the money is our support. What a statement it would make if the stamp outsold the lottery this week. What a statement it would make that we care.
I urge you to do two things TODAY: 1. Go out and purchase some of these stamps. 2. E-mail your friends to do the same. Many of us know women and their families whose lives are turned upside-down by breast cancer. It takes so little to do so much in this drive We can all afford the $1.20. Please help & pass it on. Do it for me. You are my friend.
Kelly
Staging Coming together April 13
I will try to explain what I know the best that I can. I found out at lunch time that my CT Scan came back good. Meaning no other organs are involved. The CT Scan also showed a nodule on my thyroid gland so she is sending me to a specialist for that. I only have 1/2 of my thyroid now. The other 1/2 was removed about 15-20 years ago because it had a nodule on it, probably due to radiation also.
I had a MRI as well. This test did prove my doctor correct,in that the entire breast is involved.There are some lymph nodes enlarged on the outer parts of the breast. She will talk more about that at my appointment on Wednesday of next week. The MRI also showed some suspicious area on my right breast. My doctor is thinking about what to do with that. The plan is to have a double mastectomy so in my mind.....why do a biopsy but I'll do what my doctor advises.
With these test results back my cancer is at a Stage lllb. This is determined by the tumor size, and shape. The tumor cells are graded or classified 1-4. The lower the grade the better. Mine is, poorly differentiated cells-Grade 3. And then Prognostic Tests are done to look at specific characteristics of the tumor cells. I have HER-2/neu, which is an indicator that is over-expressed or amplified in about 25-30 percent of breast cancers. Elevation of HER2 indicates a more aggressive cancer. However identification of elevation indicates that a drug called Herceptin will target the HER2/neu receptor. The cells are aggressive in other words.
The doctor is in the process of scheduling either a pet scan or a bone scan still.
All of the running around and worrying has left me completely exhausted but unable to sleep.
I did get 5 straight hours last night and was even able to get back to sleep after being awake for 1/2 an hour. I think the brain is coming to grips with everything. And knowing the results of these two tests should help. We have a long journey ahead of us. Yes, I say we because I could not fight this with out all of you. The prayers are numerous and I'm sure echoing in heaven for all to hear.
The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you act.
I had a MRI as well. This test did prove my doctor correct,in that the entire breast is involved.There are some lymph nodes enlarged on the outer parts of the breast. She will talk more about that at my appointment on Wednesday of next week. The MRI also showed some suspicious area on my right breast. My doctor is thinking about what to do with that. The plan is to have a double mastectomy so in my mind.....why do a biopsy but I'll do what my doctor advises.
With these test results back my cancer is at a Stage lllb. This is determined by the tumor size, and shape. The tumor cells are graded or classified 1-4. The lower the grade the better. Mine is, poorly differentiated cells-Grade 3. And then Prognostic Tests are done to look at specific characteristics of the tumor cells. I have HER-2/neu, which is an indicator that is over-expressed or amplified in about 25-30 percent of breast cancers. Elevation of HER2 indicates a more aggressive cancer. However identification of elevation indicates that a drug called Herceptin will target the HER2/neu receptor. The cells are aggressive in other words.
The doctor is in the process of scheduling either a pet scan or a bone scan still.
All of the running around and worrying has left me completely exhausted but unable to sleep.
I did get 5 straight hours last night and was even able to get back to sleep after being awake for 1/2 an hour. I think the brain is coming to grips with everything. And knowing the results of these two tests should help. We have a long journey ahead of us. Yes, I say we because I could not fight this with out all of you. The prayers are numerous and I'm sure echoing in heaven for all to hear.
The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you act.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Oncologist Appointment April 9
Had the oncologist appointment this morning. I will start Chemotherapy, Monday the 16Th. I will have Chemo once every two weeks for 6 months if the cancer is only in the breast. If any test shows it to be anywhere else that will change the length of time I have the treatments.
I will have my port put in tomorrow and I have a CAT Scan and PET SCAN at 12:45 A.M. wednesday.
I will have my mastectomy 1/2 way through the Chemo treatments. So sometime around...July/Aug in my mind. The pathology report is still not back yet.
Went window shopping for wigs, scarfs, bandanna's, and the such. The kids want mom in a long haired wig. I'm thinking not. I told them I'd try one on
If you want me to know who you are when you leave me a message the only way I know who it is; is by you typing your name after your message. IF you just want to leave a message, than leaving no name would be the way to do that. :)
Thanks for all the prayers
I will have my port put in tomorrow and I have a CAT Scan and PET SCAN at 12:45 A.M. wednesday.
I will have my mastectomy 1/2 way through the Chemo treatments. So sometime around...July/Aug in my mind. The pathology report is still not back yet.
Went window shopping for wigs, scarfs, bandanna's, and the such. The kids want mom in a long haired wig. I'm thinking not. I told them I'd try one on
If you want me to know who you are when you leave me a message the only way I know who it is; is by you typing your name after your message. IF you just want to leave a message, than leaving no name would be the way to do that. :)
Thanks for all the prayers
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Biopsy Results - April 5th
The word is ....Cancer. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. The next step is having numerous test, like a C.A.T. Scan, Bone Scan, M.R.I. and Blood work. The doctor is hoping all of these to be completed in the next 7 days. My doctor has prepared us for what she does know. I will have a mastectomy, I will have Chemo, and maybe radiation too. The Pathology report is not back yet, the tests need to be completed and then staging can be completed.
Oncologist appointment Monday, Intravenous Port - surgery on Tuesday. This device is inserted by a surgeon under the skin, usually on the chest. This device Will be used to draw blood and to administer chemotherapy and other medications. You are able t bathe and swim as usual with a port. I do not know when I will start Chemo yet.
The children have been told the truth. They know that I will be having medicine that will make my hair fall out and that will make mom tired. Rachel is worried about her birthday on the 30th of April. Emily doesn't want me to have the Flu. and James doesn't want my hair to fall out. When the 15 minute conversation was done with out tears, until the end.....James said:" I love you MOM, Can I go play WebKinz."(for those of you with out children....this is a new computer website, that you have to buy a stuffed animal to play on.)
Paul is being a strong supportive spouse. But I know this effects him just as much as me, just in a different way. So be there for him just as much as for me. Have your prayers be for all of us. And in the end we will all be stronger because of it.
"We move from the question of "why me?" to "Now that this has happened, what shall I do about it?" -JUDY KNEECE
Oncologist appointment Monday, Intravenous Port - surgery on Tuesday. This device is inserted by a surgeon under the skin, usually on the chest. This device Will be used to draw blood and to administer chemotherapy and other medications. You are able t bathe and swim as usual with a port. I do not know when I will start Chemo yet.
The children have been told the truth. They know that I will be having medicine that will make my hair fall out and that will make mom tired. Rachel is worried about her birthday on the 30th of April. Emily doesn't want me to have the Flu. and James doesn't want my hair to fall out. When the 15 minute conversation was done with out tears, until the end.....James said:" I love you MOM, Can I go play WebKinz."(for those of you with out children....this is a new computer website, that you have to buy a stuffed animal to play on.)
Paul is being a strong supportive spouse. But I know this effects him just as much as me, just in a different way. So be there for him just as much as for me. Have your prayers be for all of us. And in the end we will all be stronger because of it.
"We move from the question of "why me?" to "Now that this has happened, what shall I do about it?" -JUDY KNEECE
The Begining - April 4th 2007
The beginning
Hello,
I wanted a way to get the word out and this is the best way I knew how.
On March 30 I went to my mammogram appointment and had an ultrasound. The radiologist was not available to tell me the results so the ultrasound tech handed me a piece of paper that said they recommend having a biopsy done. No more no less. I have had a biopsy done on my breast before, on the opposite breast. So this was not alarming to me. But when the phone rang at home at 6 pm and since we have caller id I recognized my primary doctors number. She told me that it didn't look good. I told her I got that feeling as soon as I saw her number on the id. However, knowing that not all suspicious things turn out bad I stayed positive. Even though she did mention the "Big C" word as she put it. She referred me to a General Surgeon on the 3rd of April and said that she may do a needle biopsy in the office on that day. That was today. I did not have the needle biopsy. She wants to do an "incisional biopsy" (?) . Which means at the hospital, outpatient tomorrow at 4:15. She too advised me that she thought it was cancerous and that it was probably due to the radiation that I had to the chest to cure Hodgkins 28 years ago. My primary doctor called me again this evening and I told her I was believing it was not Cancer until the pathology report came back otherwise. She told me that was a good thing but to also be ready for what 3 others agree on.
SO far I am believing no one but the faith I am grasping too right now.
I will keep you all up to date as things are told to me. Who knows maybe this blog page will be 3 days old and that will be the end of it. For now I am walking on the straight road.
Hello,
I wanted a way to get the word out and this is the best way I knew how.
On March 30 I went to my mammogram appointment and had an ultrasound. The radiologist was not available to tell me the results so the ultrasound tech handed me a piece of paper that said they recommend having a biopsy done. No more no less. I have had a biopsy done on my breast before, on the opposite breast. So this was not alarming to me. But when the phone rang at home at 6 pm and since we have caller id I recognized my primary doctors number. She told me that it didn't look good. I told her I got that feeling as soon as I saw her number on the id. However, knowing that not all suspicious things turn out bad I stayed positive. Even though she did mention the "Big C" word as she put it. She referred me to a General Surgeon on the 3rd of April and said that she may do a needle biopsy in the office on that day. That was today. I did not have the needle biopsy. She wants to do an "incisional biopsy" (?) . Which means at the hospital, outpatient tomorrow at 4:15. She too advised me that she thought it was cancerous and that it was probably due to the radiation that I had to the chest to cure Hodgkins 28 years ago. My primary doctor called me again this evening and I told her I was believing it was not Cancer until the pathology report came back otherwise. She told me that was a good thing but to also be ready for what 3 others agree on.
SO far I am believing no one but the faith I am grasping too right now.
I will keep you all up to date as things are told to me. Who knows maybe this blog page will be 3 days old and that will be the end of it. For now I am walking on the straight road.
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