I arrived at my first Chemo treatment after a slow down on 131 due to an accident. My taxi got me there via division pretty quickly after that bump in the road. Good job Melissa! My appointment was at 9 am. However I wasn't called to the lab area until 9:20. They need to do blood work first to make sure your red and white blood cells are at normal range to due the treatment. Then the pharmacy has to have those results before them make your personal concoction. During this time you are back to the waiting area. At about 10 or after I was called to the Chemo area. In this area you have a personal partion with a reclining chair, cubby for personal belongings and a tv. Warm blankets and pillows are offered too. My nurse came to me about 1045. I think that is a generous time. I think it was later. At this time she access my port and started a saline bag for extra fluids. Then I take Tylenol orally and receive Benadryl by IV. After the Benadryl is done dripping I was given the Herceptin Drug. That lasts an hour and a half. After that was done I had to listen to the IV pole beeping , hit my nurses button, and wait for the next drug. Then she came and gave me a steroid and anti nausea med through the IV. After those were done dripping she started the Chemo drug. It had to be given at the slowest rate to start in case of an allergic reaction. And she had to watch me for reaction. Then she sped the drip of the IV up every 15 minutes until 45 minutes passed. Then I was on full tilt. I was done at 3pm However I asked for a copy of my lab work and that took 30 minutes. So I got home at 4pm.
That is a long Day. I laid on the coach until our dinner arrived. I ate good I thought. After dinner, I laid on the couch and dozed off and on -5 minutes here and there. I wanted to stay awake as much as I could because I haven't been sleeping all that good. I made it to 1030. However I was up at 1 until 430. Then I was up with the kids at 6:00. Now I'm updating this blog and I will be going to bed.
How am I feeling you ask? The best I can describe is like this....and I get this description from a guy I use to work with.....I've felt worse and I've felt better. He use to say...I've seen worse and I've seen better when I would ask if he thought something looked okay... Good ol Porfideo. I use to hate when he said that. Now it comes in handy. I have a great head ache. That started before I went to bed so I know it's not just from lack of sleep. Then I feel like I'm full of junk....which I am. But that's the best I can describe it to you. And a little joint pain too. There's my complaining. I'm done with that.
I was asked to give a shout to someone on my blog and I said I would but I decided that I'm adding a stipulation to that. You have to post a comment on my blog to get a shout out back. And this starts as of today. So if you post a comment on my blog you may get your name mentioned in my blog. OOOOOO.
Thanks for all the prayers and support.
Kelly
We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails. ~Author Unknown
Friday, February 11, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sacrament of the Sick
Superbowl weekend started of by my mom, Paul and I heading down to the first annual HELP ON THE HILL put on by the Van Andel Institute. My sister Kim joined us for the second part held on Saturday.
It was very informative. It was for cancer patients and their family/ care givers. Just to educated you on cancer in general. Plus to inform you of all the great things happening right here in grand rapids.
Saturday ended on a very moving moment. I had the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. To help you understand what this is I've inserted the following:
The Oil of the Sick
The oil used in administering the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is called Oil of the Sick. It is one of the three Holy oils blessed by the bishop of the diocese at his cathedral on Holy Thursday morning, the other two Holy Oils being Holy Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens, which is used in Baptism.
Oil of the Sick is pure olive oil—nothing being added except the blessing of the bishop. Its appropriateness as part of the outward sign of Anointing of the Sick is evident from the healing and strengthening effects which are characteristic of olive oil.
The essence of the sacrament lies in the actual anointing and the short prayer which accompanies the anointing. In giving the sacrament, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead and hands. During this anointing, the priest says: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up."
Counteracting undue fear When faced with the danger of death, a person normally will experience a feeling of great anxiety.
This is to be expected. God has planted in human nature a strong attachment to life which we commonly call the instinct for self-preservation. He has done so precisely in order to assure that we take due care of our physical well-being and do not expose ourselves to unnecessary danger to our life.
We need not feel ashamed, therefore, nor convicted of lack of faith if we find ourselves apprehensive when the shadow of death looms over us. To counteract this fear of death when it needs to be counteracted, and to remove all cause for fear, God has given us the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
Graces of the sacrament
In common with all the sacraments, Anointing of the Sick confers sanctifying grace.
It is an increase in sanctifying grace that Anointing of the Sick gives, since it presupposes that the recipient already is free from mortal sin. Thus there is intensified in the soul that supernatural life, that oneness with God, which is the source of all spiritual strength as it is also the measure of our capacity for the happiness of heaven.
Besides this increase in sanctifying grace, Anointing of the Sick gives its own special sacramental grace.
The primary purpose of the special grace of Anointing of the Sick is to comfort and to strengthen the soul of the sick person. This is the grace that quiets anxiety and dissipates fear.
It is the grace which enables the sick person to embrace God's will and to face the possibility of death without apprehension. It is the grace which gives the soul the strength to face and conquer whatever temptations to doubt, despondency, or even despair may mark Satan's last effort to seize this soul for himself.
Doubtless some who read this have already received Anointing of the Sick, perhaps even several times. If so, they know by experience, as does the writer, what peace of mind and confidence in God this sacrament bestows.
However, there is a secondary and conditional effect of Anointing of the Sick: the recovery of bodily health by the sick or injured person. The condition under which this secondary effect can be expected to operate is stated by the Council of Trent: "When it is expedient for the soul's salvation."
God does not multiply marvels unnecessarily. Whenever possible he works through natural causes. In this instance, recovery will be the result of the powers of nature, stimulated by the graces of the sacrament.
Thank you all who were there. Your hands were very calming. It is an amazing feeling. Emotional,but peaceful.
Peace
Kelly
When you throw yourself a pity party-don't forget to invite Jesus!
It was very informative. It was for cancer patients and their family/ care givers. Just to educated you on cancer in general. Plus to inform you of all the great things happening right here in grand rapids.
Saturday ended on a very moving moment. I had the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. To help you understand what this is I've inserted the following:
The Oil of the Sick
The oil used in administering the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is called Oil of the Sick. It is one of the three Holy oils blessed by the bishop of the diocese at his cathedral on Holy Thursday morning, the other two Holy Oils being Holy Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens, which is used in Baptism.
Oil of the Sick is pure olive oil—nothing being added except the blessing of the bishop. Its appropriateness as part of the outward sign of Anointing of the Sick is evident from the healing and strengthening effects which are characteristic of olive oil.
The essence of the sacrament lies in the actual anointing and the short prayer which accompanies the anointing. In giving the sacrament, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead and hands. During this anointing, the priest says: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up."
Counteracting undue fear When faced with the danger of death, a person normally will experience a feeling of great anxiety.
This is to be expected. God has planted in human nature a strong attachment to life which we commonly call the instinct for self-preservation. He has done so precisely in order to assure that we take due care of our physical well-being and do not expose ourselves to unnecessary danger to our life.
We need not feel ashamed, therefore, nor convicted of lack of faith if we find ourselves apprehensive when the shadow of death looms over us. To counteract this fear of death when it needs to be counteracted, and to remove all cause for fear, God has given us the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
Graces of the sacrament
In common with all the sacraments, Anointing of the Sick confers sanctifying grace.
It is an increase in sanctifying grace that Anointing of the Sick gives, since it presupposes that the recipient already is free from mortal sin. Thus there is intensified in the soul that supernatural life, that oneness with God, which is the source of all spiritual strength as it is also the measure of our capacity for the happiness of heaven.
Besides this increase in sanctifying grace, Anointing of the Sick gives its own special sacramental grace.
The primary purpose of the special grace of Anointing of the Sick is to comfort and to strengthen the soul of the sick person. This is the grace that quiets anxiety and dissipates fear.
It is the grace which enables the sick person to embrace God's will and to face the possibility of death without apprehension. It is the grace which gives the soul the strength to face and conquer whatever temptations to doubt, despondency, or even despair may mark Satan's last effort to seize this soul for himself.
Doubtless some who read this have already received Anointing of the Sick, perhaps even several times. If so, they know by experience, as does the writer, what peace of mind and confidence in God this sacrament bestows.
However, there is a secondary and conditional effect of Anointing of the Sick: the recovery of bodily health by the sick or injured person. The condition under which this secondary effect can be expected to operate is stated by the Council of Trent: "When it is expedient for the soul's salvation."
God does not multiply marvels unnecessarily. Whenever possible he works through natural causes. In this instance, recovery will be the result of the powers of nature, stimulated by the graces of the sacrament.
Thank you all who were there. Your hands were very calming. It is an amazing feeling. Emotional,but peaceful.
Peace
Kelly
When you throw yourself a pity party-don't forget to invite Jesus!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Exit South to Florida
After my Jan 20th appointment I was able to escape to Florida with my mom for a week. Thanks to my sister for not being able to use the ticket she was going to use AND to my nephew and his great job he has.
Anyway we arrived in Florida to 70 degree weather. Mother nature did not disappoint the entire week. We had 70 degree or better everyday. No clouds and BLUE skies. It was beautiful. Almost a dream.
Now it's back to reality as I am writing this on the day which will be known as the Blizzard of 2011.
I have an appointment tomorrow to get some questions answered. Then Friday and Saturday Paul and I will be attending a seminar for cancer patients and their families called Help on the Hill hosted by Van Andel Institute. It is designed to help people understand cancer research and cancer clinical trials.
And then my first Chemo appointment will be Feb 10. in the morning. I did not receive Chemo before going to Florida but I did receive the drug Herceptin. They want to give these drugs together so my first Chemo was moved from Feb 3 to Feb 10. Sorry if I did not mention this prior today.
I'm at home with the kids on their first official SNOW day of the school year. They had a tornado warning day but not a snow day. I'm cleaning, relaxing and cleaning. Trying to think of everything I can do and need to do before the storm of chemo starts.
A lot of people have offered their time, and services. Thank You. In regards to dinner for the family I have decided that I have to have a treatment first before I know how long if any side effects will take place. Trying to be positive and hopeful here. If I'm down and out, I'm all for dinners and every ones help. I've made a list of things we could use help with. I'm going to try to add a few things to my blog for people to access. Like calenders to volunteer on. So bear with me. You may see an entirely looking blog if I need to change things. Feel free to comment and email me anytime. I love reading peoples comments and positive thoughts.
Love you all and thanks for the support!
Kelly
There is little difference in people but that little difference make a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative. W. Clement Stone
Anyway we arrived in Florida to 70 degree weather. Mother nature did not disappoint the entire week. We had 70 degree or better everyday. No clouds and BLUE skies. It was beautiful. Almost a dream.
Now it's back to reality as I am writing this on the day which will be known as the Blizzard of 2011.
I have an appointment tomorrow to get some questions answered. Then Friday and Saturday Paul and I will be attending a seminar for cancer patients and their families called Help on the Hill hosted by Van Andel Institute. It is designed to help people understand cancer research and cancer clinical trials.
And then my first Chemo appointment will be Feb 10. in the morning. I did not receive Chemo before going to Florida but I did receive the drug Herceptin. They want to give these drugs together so my first Chemo was moved from Feb 3 to Feb 10. Sorry if I did not mention this prior today.
I'm at home with the kids on their first official SNOW day of the school year. They had a tornado warning day but not a snow day. I'm cleaning, relaxing and cleaning. Trying to think of everything I can do and need to do before the storm of chemo starts.
A lot of people have offered their time, and services. Thank You. In regards to dinner for the family I have decided that I have to have a treatment first before I know how long if any side effects will take place. Trying to be positive and hopeful here. If I'm down and out, I'm all for dinners and every ones help. I've made a list of things we could use help with. I'm going to try to add a few things to my blog for people to access. Like calenders to volunteer on. So bear with me. You may see an entirely looking blog if I need to change things. Feel free to comment and email me anytime. I love reading peoples comments and positive thoughts.
Love you all and thanks for the support!
Kelly
There is little difference in people but that little difference make a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative. W. Clement Stone
Thursday, January 20, 2011
First Appointment
Today was my first treatment of Herceptin. This drug corks all the cancer cells. Once attached to the cells it brings other immune cells to help kill the cancer cells. This is not a chemo drug. Medically speaking it is a monoclonal antibody. This will be taken with my chemo from now on. This drug I had for one year after I was done with chemo the last time. My appointment was scheduled for 9:30 and I arrived at 9:15. I was called at 10:12. I think I started receiving my juice at 1040. Then after taking a little nap because I'm given benadryl in case of allergic reaction. Mom and I ate Tuna Fish sandwiches that she made. Mom sure does know how to make those sandwiches. We walked around the Lemmen Holten Center for awhile then headed back to my chair. Then My iv pump started beeping and my nurse came over and she exclaimed....WHY isn't this dripping? 50 minutes of no meds. UGH! Finally home at 2:30.
You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.- Zig-Ziglar
You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.- Zig-Ziglar
Monday, January 17, 2011
Port Placemnet
This morning I am going for a MUGA test. It is a test that measures your heart activity. Done because drugs can affect your hear. Get a baseline score before the drugs come to invade the cancer. Then at 2 pm I'll be under light sedation to have the port put in. This is an advice they adminster the chemo through so they don't have to poke my veins all the time.
Shouldn't have anything else to post until after the first treatment Feb 3.
I am having one herceptin treatment before I head to Florida Jan 24. The doctor wanted something cooking in me before I headed down to the sunshine state. That I am having done this Thursday Jan 20.
God is listening to our prayers!
Kelly
Shouldn't have anything else to post until after the first treatment Feb 3.
I am having one herceptin treatment before I head to Florida Jan 24. The doctor wanted something cooking in me before I headed down to the sunshine state. That I am having done this Thursday Jan 20.
God is listening to our prayers!
Kelly
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Just when I least expected it!
Well I actually never thought I would be posting here again. And how ironic for it to be a little over 2 years since my last update.
Since my last post I have been very diligent about my 6 month doctor appointments with the breast surgeon and oncologist. Never missing an appointment. Always obeying when to have test done. All of my blood work came back good. My tumor marker numbers have never elevated. No concerns for the doctor. No concerns for me. I had a doctor appointment on Dec 23rd and some tests done between then and Jan 6Th.
I received an unexpected phone call on Jan 11, 2011 that a routine 6 month test had some areas of concern and was given a time to be at the oncologist the next day.
I was then told with out " beating around the bush" that the cancer has returned. There are spots in my liver and in both lungs. The doctor was just as shocked with the test results as I. So Now the diagnosis is called Metastatic Breast Cancer.The plan of action is to start chemotherapy on Feb3, 2011. I will have chemo every three weeks for about 6 rounds. After 3 rounds they will do a pet scan and determine further action. I will be also receiving Herceptin which I received after I was done with chemo in 2007.This time it will be administered with the chemo.
I will post again when I have other news to post. Please Pray for the Anglim Family.
Feel free to bring Paul out for some heckling. He'll need to release too. Thanks for your support and prayers. Feel free to email or comment. I'll need to do some positive reading too.
I've heard many times "God only gives you the cross you can carry" I thought I already new myself? I told the kids that God carries you when you are weak, but I told them I wanted to walk and follow his foot steps.
Kelly
Since my last post I have been very diligent about my 6 month doctor appointments with the breast surgeon and oncologist. Never missing an appointment. Always obeying when to have test done. All of my blood work came back good. My tumor marker numbers have never elevated. No concerns for the doctor. No concerns for me. I had a doctor appointment on Dec 23rd and some tests done between then and Jan 6Th.
I received an unexpected phone call on Jan 11, 2011 that a routine 6 month test had some areas of concern and was given a time to be at the oncologist the next day.
I was then told with out " beating around the bush" that the cancer has returned. There are spots in my liver and in both lungs. The doctor was just as shocked with the test results as I. So Now the diagnosis is called Metastatic Breast Cancer.The plan of action is to start chemotherapy on Feb3, 2011. I will have chemo every three weeks for about 6 rounds. After 3 rounds they will do a pet scan and determine further action. I will be also receiving Herceptin which I received after I was done with chemo in 2007.This time it will be administered with the chemo.
I will post again when I have other news to post. Please Pray for the Anglim Family.
Feel free to bring Paul out for some heckling. He'll need to release too. Thanks for your support and prayers. Feel free to email or comment. I'll need to do some positive reading too.
I've heard many times "God only gives you the cross you can carry" I thought I already new myself? I told the kids that God carries you when you are weak, but I told them I wanted to walk and follow his foot steps.
Kelly
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Happy New Year
Happy New Year Everyone!
Hope everyone has a happy and healthy New Year in 2009!
My newest news is that I will be using this Blog page to update you on the latest news with my Mom. Lois was diagnosed with breast cancer on November 10. She has not started any treatments yet as she is waiting on some more test results before they proceed with any treatments. Early planning was Radiation Therapy with no Chemotherapy. She did have a lumpectomy and needed two surgeries for that before they were able to get clean margins. Please keep her in your prayers.
Any thoughts you have for her please call or send her a note. I know when I received calls and notes and emails it certainly brighten my day.
I ended my Herceptin treatments on Nov 13Th. I am free of Doctor appointments until March. My first big break.
The Holiday season since November was fast and furious. The kids enjoyed Christmas and this was the most excited we have seen them. They showed more of an understanding of the true meaning of the season too. Hard to believe that there is only 2 days left in this Holiday break. The girls have been involved in swimming this winter. Emily is signed for softball for the spring and this will be here first year of player pitch. Rachel is going to be starting her 4Th year of horse riding lessons in the spring and James wants to start golf lessons. And before you know it we'll be talking summer.
Take care of yourself
Thanks for your support and prayers
your friend
Kelly
Hope everyone has a happy and healthy New Year in 2009!
My newest news is that I will be using this Blog page to update you on the latest news with my Mom. Lois was diagnosed with breast cancer on November 10. She has not started any treatments yet as she is waiting on some more test results before they proceed with any treatments. Early planning was Radiation Therapy with no Chemotherapy. She did have a lumpectomy and needed two surgeries for that before they were able to get clean margins. Please keep her in your prayers.
Any thoughts you have for her please call or send her a note. I know when I received calls and notes and emails it certainly brighten my day.
I ended my Herceptin treatments on Nov 13Th. I am free of Doctor appointments until March. My first big break.
The Holiday season since November was fast and furious. The kids enjoyed Christmas and this was the most excited we have seen them. They showed more of an understanding of the true meaning of the season too. Hard to believe that there is only 2 days left in this Holiday break. The girls have been involved in swimming this winter. Emily is signed for softball for the spring and this will be here first year of player pitch. Rachel is going to be starting her 4Th year of horse riding lessons in the spring and James wants to start golf lessons. And before you know it we'll be talking summer.
Take care of yourself
Thanks for your support and prayers
your friend
Kelly
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