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
Thursday, April 26, 2007
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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