Saturday, October 28, 2017

A Little Reminder for Myself

I have started taking Gabapentin (300mg/2/day) for my peripheral neuropathy and have had some relief.  I started on October 12, 2017.
My hair is still curly...It's about 2 inches long if I stretch it out...that's after 7 months...but I do have hair!
I am feeling stronger.
I think we may even go camping in Florida this winter!!!
Ever since Matt was injured we have heard about how hard anniversaries are...to my surprise, I have found myself thinking more about what we went through last year.  I am so grateful for all of the support we had and the good care I had though I would not want to go through it again!

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Thursday, June 1, 2017

June 1...Only 6 More Radiation Treatments to Go!!

I'm doing GREAT!

For the curious....


Hair is coming back very, very slowly!  Looks pretty much as it did before chemo...Thin, fine and grey!



Friday, May 19, 2017

Beginning the Last Leg of this Journey

Had my first radiation treatment on May 18, 2017.

The radiation part of my treatment is by far the easiest.  I go in, lie on a hard surface, get positioned and then get zapped a few times.  At most I expect some skin irritation but that probably will not be a problem until after I have had a few treatments.

I felt like an adult going in by myself for my second treatment today...drove and everything!  Came home to a delightful gift from Kaya.  She made me a paper chain that counts down the days to the end of radiation.  I decided rather than cut off each link I will tie a ribbon on it...I could not find any pink ribbon so a made do with pearly pink/white!


Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Getting Close to the Finish Line!!

More good news from the radiation oncologist, Dr. Koffman

My visit today with Dr. Koffman gave us the view of the finish line and it is closer than we thought!
Instead of 5 weeks of radiation (25 doses), Dr. Koffman believes I will tolerate a higher dose of radiation for only 16 treatments...which means I will be done with radiation on June 9!  I am now sporting 4 tattooed dots...which you need a magnifying glass to see.  These will aid in positioning me and the equipment for precise treatment.  Today I had a CT scan to make an image for the computer.  On next Thursday, for my first radiation treatment, a simulation will be done first to align everything and then it will begin.  After that I will go in every week day for treatment and see the doctor once a week for evaluation.  I will be able to drive myself to and from radiation and each session should take only about 20 minutes total other than on the days I see the doctor.  My chances for recurrence of breast cancer are only about 20% now and with the radiation, hopefully, it will be closer to only 5%!  

Yea!

Thursday, April 27, 2017

We Are On Our Way!

Got the best possible news this morning from the surgeon's office.


No More Cancer!

Nothing found in the lymph nodes and only scar tissue found at the site of the mass...the chemo did its job!  No more surgery necessary.  Radiation will start in 4-5 weeks...so in about 2 months I will be done with treatment.  Hallelujah! 
Thank you, EVERYONE, for your prayers and support...so appreciated.


Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Friday, April 21, 2017

I Am Declaring Myself a Breast Cancer Survivor!

Although the pathology reports will not be available until Thursday, April 27, I just know that all is well!  It took me until yesterday afternoon (24 hours after surgery) to realize that the cancer is gone from my body!  What a good feeling.  Yay!

For anyone with curiosity about some of the procedures that were done to ready me for surgery, here is what I recall and my understanding of what they did:

First I was taken to the Menorah Breast Center where I had the original mammogram that identified a problem and where I had the two biopsies done...so a familiar place within the Menorah complex.  Here they put in a localization wire to the mass to be removed, using a sonogram and the little clip that was placed during the biopsy.  This was done with a local anesthetic and was not at all painful.  After placing the wire, two gentle mammograms were taken to make sure the placement was correct...it was fine on the first try.  Since the wire sticks out of the skin and since my surgeon happens to prefer an extra long wire, it was taped into place so it was secure and then a Styrofoam coffee cup was placed over the end of the wire so I would not accidentally knock it out of place.
 (Of course, I managed to knock the cup off when I was back in pre-op!)  Immediately following the wire placement, I was moved to another procedure room within the breast center where radioactive dye was injected into my breast. They told me it would sting quite a bit but I did not find it to be too bad.  Some time is required for the dye to move into the lymph system so after I was moved to the nuclear medicine department, I had about a 15 minute wait while I was supposed to move my arm as much as possible to get the dye moving.  Below is an image of a gamma camera very similar to the one used to make the images of my lymph nodes.  The surgeon was going to remove the sentinel node(s) to assure that there was no spreading of the cancer.  The gamma camera was able to locate two nodes which the surgeon then was able to remove.  Of course, they were both located under that Styrofoam cup which had to be moved again in order to mark my skin.


This part of the procedure was not at all unpleasant...although, I could not see the computer screen during the imaging which would have been interesting to me to see.

So, back to the pre-op room from there...I then got to experience the fancy hospital gown's heating/cooling system...I was really cold so they hooked up a little blower that introduced warm air into the lining of the gown!  My daughters and Gary were then able to wait with me until it was time to go to the OR.  Shortly before leaving for the OR, I was given a relaxing medicine which the nurse said would take effect it about 30 seconds...I remember saying to my kids, "Are you counting?" and that is the last I remember until waking in the recovery room.

Back at home, things have gone well.  Pain well under control.

I am so lucky!

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Just got great news from the surgeon.  Everything went well, and mom is in recovery.  We won't get to see her for a little while, but we are still hoping she will be able to go home tonight. No pathology results until next week, but the surgeon said everything looked as she expected, and they got out the sentinel nodes without major dissection.

On the road

Mom just headed back to get started.  Her all-female team seems amazing.  We are sure she is in great hands.  They told us to expect at least 2 hours.
All the pre-op stuff is done, and went just right.  We are all back together in the pre-op area enjoying the time before surgery.

Lets do this!

Hi All-  It's Windy.  We have arrived at Menorah, and the day has begun.  Everyone is in great spirits.  Last night we had a wonderful family picnic at Shawnee Mission Park, and mom ended up with new ink (temporary tattoo) on her L neck/shoulder which reads, "Let's do this!"  Ready for a blessed day.

Saturday, April 15, 2017

A Little Help Along the Way

I just want to let folks know that Windy will be in town for my surgery on Wednesday.  She will keep you informed about the day by posting on this blog.  Although I need to be at the hospital by 6:00 a.m. the actual surgery is not scheduled until at least 10:45.  It could take up to 3 hours.  After recuperating from the anesthesia, I should be able to go home late in the afternoon.  (I will probably be reading Windy's post(s) in order to bring myself up to speed after the fact!)

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

On My Way Back

My last chemo was on March 22 and on March 31 Gary brought me to Riversong to recuperate.  It was the best medicine.  When we arrived I needed a walking stick to keep my balance on the gravel and could walk only a short distance.  By the time we left on April 11, I was able to walk on the gravel without help and made it to the top of Riversong hill.  My spirits soared! 

How could you not feel better in this beautiful place?






Today, April 12, I went in to the hospital for my pre-op appointment.  Had my blood drawn and an EKG to make sure I am ready for the surgery which is scheduled for April 19.  (Should hear tomorrow if something needs to be addressed but I feel that everything is a go!)  Interesting what they are now doing to reduce infection rates...the blood pressure cuff and oxygen finger thingy are single person usage...mine were sent home with us to be brought back for use on the day of surgery!  I was given a shower/disinfect protocol which includes antimicrobial wipes and orders to have clean sheets and jammies the night before surgery.  On the day of surgery we report at 6:00 a.m. to outpatient surgery.  After checking in I will go for a mammogram and placement of the marker wire, then to nuclear med for an injection to map the lymph nodes.  After that we will wait for surgery which is scheduled for about 10:45.  It may take up to three hours followed by a couple of hours of recovery from the anesthesia and then home if all goes well. All prayers will be welcomed!

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Not Gonna Go Down That Road Again

Happy Dancing!!!!

Chemo done!  D.O.N.E!

No more side effects...no more side effect meds!


Bye-Bye!

Not that I am not grateful for the meds to help with all the side effects of chemo...just glad to see them go!

Looking forward to:

Spending time with family...I have really missed being around your smiling faces
Gaining back my strength
Getting outside
Driving myself
Food tasting good
Sleeping through the night
No aches and pains...well, almost none
Riversong
Nails growing back normally
HAIR

Grateful for:

Gary
All the donated meals
Good doctors
All the research and progress in fighting breast cancer
Good overall health...not a single illness while on chemo
All the cards, well wishes, calls and gifts

While it is not all over--surgery and radiation yet to come--I am so glad to be done with this aspect of my treatment! 

Thank you, Everyone, for all of your support.  I needed it.  I appreciated it...and I am sure Gary did, too.


A little information about lymphedema gathered from session with OT, lymphedema specialist:

   Chances for me to develop lymphedema (swelling in arm/shoulder areas due to inability of lymph nodes to drain the area) are small but are also a lifetime issue now.  Anyone having lymph nodes removed or damaged by radiation is at risk for this chronic problem.  The more lymph nodes removed or damaged, the greater the chances of developing edema months or years down the line.  There are exercises and restrictions that make it less likely to develop...I will have to discipline myself!  (Oh, darn, I can't wash those windows!)



Thursday, March 9, 2017

Coming to a Fork in the Road

Yesterday was my second to the last chemo session!  Hallalulah!
Today we met with my surgeon, Dr. Nasim Ahmadiyeh.  We now have a better understanding of the surgery and the timeline for what is to come.
Best Case Scenario:
Surgery on April 19.  This will be a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy.  This means that prior to surgery, a mammogram or sonogram will be done to locate the area of the cancer and a dye will be injected that helps to locate the first few lymph nodes that drain the area.  During the surgery a cubical shaped area of tissue is removed from the site, hopefully providing a rim of  cancer free tissue.  A second incision is made to remove one to three lymph nodes, also hoping that no cancer is found in those tissues.  At the one week follow up appointment with the surgeon the labs will be available and hopefully I will get the all clear and will be done with surgery.
Four weeks following the surgery I will begin 5 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week.  So, it may all be over by the end of June!!!!

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Slogging Uphill

Taxol...
It makes me hurt all over.  It zaps my energy.  It makes me C R A N K Y !!!!!
...not that I am complaining or anything...

Only two more rounds to go.

Monday, February 20, 2017

A Little Side Story...

This Taxol chemo has been a very different experience and I still do not feel like I have any idea what to expect next!  The exhaustion seems to be the only thing that has not changed.
So a little story I just thought I would share...
Today I woke feeling like I had a bit of energy to tackle a couple of simple projects, one of which was to make the oyster stew that is usually a New Year's tradition for us.  I had the ingredients and needed to get it made, so I did...no problem.  At noon I thought I would try a little bowl...I never know what will taste okay.  Filled a small bowl and as I was getting ready to heat it in the microwave, I was not paying attention and I hit the bowl with the microwave door as I was opening it.  This was the result.  I guess I should be grateful that the bowl did not shatter!


Since Gary was not home to rescue me, I cleaned up the whole mess myself...that's the most work I have done in weeks!  And, I have to say that I am proud that it did not reduce me to tears!
(Well, there are some cleaning supplies that I still need to put away.)





















Thursday, February 9, 2017

Good News I Forgot to Mention Yesterday

Dr. Graff was pleased to tell us that from the sonogram she could report a 30% reduction in the size of the tumor...a reduction from 1.5 cm to 1.1 cm.  She seemed very pleased with this information so I guess we should be, too!!!!!

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Up Hill Climb

I have been experiencing severe fatigue this past week.  It was my understanding that the fatigue was linked to the low blood counts and was to be expected.  What I found out today was that my hemoglobin was only 6.8, meaning that it was pretty severely low. Hence, I will be receiving a pint of blood tomorrow!  This is kinda a good news/bad news situation but the good part is that the blood transfusion will make things better and the fatigue I was feeling was not "normal" chemo but also not unheard of.
The new chemo today was long but not expected to be as harsh on my digestive system.  Benedryl is given prior to this drug (Taxol)  because it often causes allergic reactions.  The Benedryl made me pretty drowsy throughout the infusion so I just sat there like a bump on a log.  We tried keeping my fingers cold in order that less of the drug might reach my fingertips where peripheral neuropathy often develops with the use of this drug.

Thank you, everyone, for all of the birthday wishes and treats!

Monday, February 6, 2017

Just a Quick Note

I did finally hear back about the mole on my scalp...it was negative...a non-issue!  Yea!

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Sometimes the Rockiest of Roads Lead to the Most Beautiful Places

January 30, 2017, Was Our 47th Wedding Anniversary.

As you know we have been blessed with four children, Windy, Stacy, Jessica and Matt.  Each of these incredible people have enriched our lives.

Twenty seven years ago when these people were still just children, Gary surprised me with an anniversary gift that I treasure...a diamond ring...placed on our dinner table in a brown paper lunch sack. My equally romantic response was, "Is this real?" 
Sometime after my mother died in 2004, my sisters and I got to choose from her jewelry what we would like to have.  I chose another diamond ring that had belonged to Mom's mother, Ann Eileen McGinnis Prendergast, a lady I never had the opportunity to know. 

So, now I had two diamond rings and three daughters.  I told Gary that for our 50th wedding anniversary, I would like to have another diamond, perhaps a necklace so that each of our daughters would get to have a diamond from us when I no longer needed them. 
That diamond necklace was sitting upon our dinner table on this forty seventh wedding anniversary,  wrapped in beautiful silver paper and ribbons.  I did not ask if it was real...I knew.  This man's love for me is the "realest".   He is caring for this bald headed old lady who does nothing for her keep, in the most gracious way and making her feel special and wanted to boot! 

Friday, January 27, 2017

Quick Update

The sonogram today said the mass is smaller!!!!  Good.  Have not heard any details.
Not yet heard anything on the mole on my scalp...thought I would hear today, but...

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Pretty Smooth Path

January 26, 2017

Yea!  It's done! No more Adriamycin and Cytoxin! 

Last doses of that cocktail were yesterday and I an doing pretty well today.
Tomorrow I go in for a sonogram to check on our progress...hoping to see absolutely nothing!!!!

Had a mole which was revealed by my loss of hair removed on Monday.  Biopsy done, waiting results but doctor was really not concerned.  Fingers crossed.

These last 4 chemo treatments will be Paclitaxel or Taxol.  Major concern with this drug is with peripheral neuropathy --meaning fingers and toes are susceptible to numbness, tingling and shooting pains which can last beyond treatment.  Will be doing everything possible to prevent/lessen this side effect. 

I really appreciate all of your support.  Continued thanks!

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Things to Appreciate Along the Way

It is so nice to have little things to appreciate in life and how important they become when things are a bit rough!
This go round has continued to be easier than the first two.  One thing that has been significantly better is that the burning/acid feeling in my stomach and intestines has been so much milder.  Can't account for that but I will take it!
Each day that I am not crammed full of meds is also a good day...even those meds that help alleviate side effects!  What a relief it is to not have to put more "stuff" into this old body!
And, that brings me to the antidepressant...it did not last long.  While it certainly stopped my weepiness, it brought on sleeplessness and a feeling of being wired.  Glad it was optional...

To my brother, Jim and his wife, Ann, thank you for the gift of spring bulbs...they are beginning to bloom and bring joy!


A special word to my sister, Annie, who has been most faithful in checking in with me each day by text.  Thank you!  (I know all my other sibs care, too!)

The tasty, healthy gift of meals continues to be a blessing for us...especially Gary, since he has taken on the job of meal planning!

A little PS
     Gary has had a cold this past week and so far, I have been spared...hope that continues for both our sakes.

Saturday, January 14, 2017

A Walk In The Park...almost

The third time seems to be the charm...
The first few days following my third chemo treatment went more smoothly than either of the first.  So grateful for that. 
I am also now taking an anti depressant which seems to have greatly relieved my weepiness! 
Only one more of this particular cocktail!  Hurrah! 
More thank yous are in order for the meals and birthday treats for Gary.  Thanks to each and every one of you...We feel cared for!

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Some Middle of the Night Observations

So, it is 3:00 in the morning.  I don't feel bad.  I just can't sleep.
So, I thought I would jot down some observations of my experience of this chemo thing after two treatments:
     The first five or so days are a blur of drugs and lots of sleeping and being cared for by Gary (and Windy when she was here).
     Then I seem to kind of wake up.  Weepy. Can't seem to get through a conversation without crying.
     Then, just when my mind comes alive, my body gives out...can't get through a shower without   having to sit down!
     Then I get hungry and eat and eat.  (Annie and Michael and Stacy, I thank you!)
     People do the kindest things...foot rubs from Gary and Michael
     Then I considered it a huge victory to make it to Target and back on my own!

     Then it is time to do it all over again.


Sunday, January 1, 2017

Sometimes Timing Means Everything...

Starting wtih Dr. Graff  saying, "I think we will start your chemo on December 14 so that you will feel better for Christmas," to Windy being able to plan a visit with her family coming from Oregon and scheduling our family photos with Tamy Budiardjo, with her Cancer Warrior session on Tuesday, December 27 so that my hair was not yet gone,  to the beautiful weather on that day, the timing could not have been more perfect.  And, mostly everyone was healthy!  So the only one we missed was Matt Lammers but he was definitely with us in spirit.  

A special thank you to the Lammers-Meis ladies for making all the pink scarves!  Talk about timing...crunch time that is!

Also a word of thanks to Greg and Ann Lewis for toting and generally taking care of us through the photo shoot.

A word about Tamy Budiardjo

This remarkable young woman had been doing wedding photography when her mother Tuty Budiarjo became ill with pancreatic cancer.  Tamy then began donating her time taking photos for families dealing with cancer.  She lives in Lawrence, KS, and is working on her Speech and Language Pathology certification at KU.  She braved our dozen grandkids, lots of doggie do and many silly suggestions for photos from all of us with a gentle smile and a director's eye.  Thank you, Tamy!


One little bugaboo...The Stephenson family had to spend five hours waiting for their delayed flight home to Oregon...Thank you for all you did!