Hi everyone! I apalogize for not blogging these past few weeks...there has not been very much new news to report so I haven't logged on lately to say HI to you. I am plugging way and making it through!
Today marks my half-way point through the Taxol treatment! Six treatments down, six treatments to go! Needless to say I am very excited about this. The past six weeks have gone by extremely quickly, as we are now very busy with the kids in school and all of their numerous activities. I am trying to focus most of my energies on them right now and all they have happening, instead of dwelling on the strange side effects of the chemo infusions. This seems to be working for me because as I said, the weeks are passing quickly and it seems every week I am pleasantly surprised when Friday rolls around again. And strangely enough, I enjoy my treatments! I know that sounds odd, but here is why:
1) I adore my nurses and caregivers at the oncology office...they are some of the sweestest people you will ever meet and seeing them brings a smile to my face. With every visit to the office, I realize that I am one step closer to finishing treatment. I tell my nurses that as much as I love them, I don't plan on ever returning to visit them and they laugh at me. I think they understand why. I couldn't imagine having to go there every week if I didn't enjoy the seeing them so much. I have such a new-found appreciation for those who working in the nursing field, especially oncology. Many ladies I have met at DVMO have been working in the field for a long time, and they have such interesting stories. I love when they tell me their stories. Uplifting and inspirational, the stories make me feel like I, too, will be victorious over this disease and maybe one day MY story will be told. Last week, a nurse named Judy told me a story of a young patient in her 20's who discovered a cancerous lump in her breast while pregnant with her first child...she had to have chemo administered DURING her pregnancy! Unthinkable, I know! Somehow the drugs they gave her where safe for her unborn child. That child is now 8 and quite a firecracker, I am told, and his mother is doing just fine. AhMazing!!!
2) The second reason I like having my chemo treatments is that afterwards I am really tired and feel drugged, but by Friday evening I am usually feeling pretty good. It sounds ironic, but it's true. Saturdays are great! I am so happy this is the day of the week when we have lots of soccer and cheer/football games because I usually have enough energy to attend everything we have planned. The reason I feel good on these days is because they give me a lot of pre-meds to combat the Taxol's difficult side effects, so I am still feeling the benefit of these pre-meds through Saturday. Come Sunday, however, when the meds wear off, I usually feel a general malaise and stomach upset for a few days. It is mild, but still troublesome. I just keep telling myself, "I CAN DO IT!"
3) The third positive reason is that I REALLY enjoy having friends take me to my infusion appointments. It sounds funny, but with such a busy family life it is difficult to set aside time just for visiting and talking. I LOVE having someone different take me each week...it makes the treatment go by faster, and it is wonderful to catch up. I have said this before, but I have such wonderful friends. I like bringing them with me to give them a little glimpse of what my world is like these days. Funny, but it's almost like sharing it with them helps me to lighten the load.
The newest side effect I am experiencing these days is a tingling in my fingers and toes; it is called neuropathy. It's not painful at all, just irritating and there's not much too do about it but to try some additional vitamins (some B vitamins and Alpha Lipoic Acid). It's a lot like when your foot or hand falls asleep; lots of pin and needle-type pricks. The doctor said they basically just watch this to make sure it doesn't get too bad. Bad, for example, would be if I couldn't put on my necklace clasp in the morning or button a blouse. I haven't had this problem yet.
Like I had anticipated, my eyelashes and eyebrows are starting to fall out. It's kind of funny, actually. I look a little bit like an alien...since it seems every other lash or brow hair has fallen out but some still remain! It's hard, but I keep reminding myself IT IS TEMPORARY...hair does not define me and neither will this experience.
Some weeks I feel pretty good, some weeks I feel like I have a slight flu. I am not sure exactly why that is how it works, but that's just the way it is. If you see me out and about or at spin class, then you know I am having a good week...if I seem MIA, then you know I am not feeling so well. I mentioned this to the doctor and she said that's just the way it is. How my body reacts one week to the meds might be different from the week before. It almost seems to alternate each week...I am looking forward to the week ahead because last week was a doozy. The good thing is that while I often feel a general malaise, I am still able to take the kids to school and practices and such. Routine like this helps me to get though and I know it is reassuring to the kids that Mom is around and doing things for them.
I made an appointment in November to see Dr. Wotowick, my "plastic". Once chemo ends on November 11th we will start making plans for my implant surgery. Most likely this will be taking place mid-December, and as I had said before, it is an outpatient surgery and much, much easier than the double mastectomy. As promised, I should be looking fabulous for that Christmas pageant!
Thank you again to all my helpers and angels. I say a prayer of thanksgiving for you all every night. I think I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel...
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Labor Day - FEELIN' GOOD!
Had a funny feeling this morning as I was vacuuming the living room - how good it felt to do everyday chores like I used to do, before I was diagnosed with BC. Strange that I would actually enjoy vacuuming the living room and doing mundane household tasks! But, alas, I did!
Maybe that will be one of the many things I take away from this experience - we should never take our health for granted and be thankful for even silly things, like being ABLE to push the vacuum! I had never given it much thought before...
This week's Taxol chemo went MUCH better than the first. I took the doctor's advice and did everything she told me, and praise God, I felt a heck of a lot better. Still some stomach upset and discomfort on Day 3 after the pre-meds had worn off, but I was still able to function and spend the day with my family. In contrast, last week on Day 3 I was in and out of the bathroom and could barely lift my head off the couch pillow! This week was indeed a nice change. And fortunately for me, I've been told it will only get better and better as time goes by as my body learns to accept the medicine. Woo hoo!
It has been a quiet Labor Day weekend as we didn't want to plan too much in the event I wasn't feeling well. Since I felt great, on Saturday we had dinner with Mom, Dad, Elise and Steve and on Sunday we took the kids swimming. Today we are catching up on things around the house, but like I said, I am enjoying it!
Only 10 weeks and 10 treatments left to go!
Maybe that will be one of the many things I take away from this experience - we should never take our health for granted and be thankful for even silly things, like being ABLE to push the vacuum! I had never given it much thought before...
This week's Taxol chemo went MUCH better than the first. I took the doctor's advice and did everything she told me, and praise God, I felt a heck of a lot better. Still some stomach upset and discomfort on Day 3 after the pre-meds had worn off, but I was still able to function and spend the day with my family. In contrast, last week on Day 3 I was in and out of the bathroom and could barely lift my head off the couch pillow! This week was indeed a nice change. And fortunately for me, I've been told it will only get better and better as time goes by as my body learns to accept the medicine. Woo hoo!
It has been a quiet Labor Day weekend as we didn't want to plan too much in the event I wasn't feeling well. Since I felt great, on Saturday we had dinner with Mom, Dad, Elise and Steve and on Sunday we took the kids swimming. Today we are catching up on things around the house, but like I said, I am enjoying it!
Only 10 weeks and 10 treatments left to go!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Friday, September 2 - 2nd Taxol Chemo
As I write this I am fuzzy and light-headed, so please forgive me if anything I post sounds strange! I had a chemo treatment at 10 this morning, then lunch and a nap and sitting here at the computer, I still feel a little groggy. God bless Mom, who took me to yet another chemo infusion. She's been incredible and I love having her with me for my treatments. There's always something comforting about having your mom by your side, no matter what your age!
Today's infusion was a little different because based on how the treatment went last week, the doctor decided to change some medications for me. (I go to these Taxol treatments every Friday now.) Last week on days 3 and 4 following the infusion my GI tract was extremely upset and I was in and out of the bathroom for what seemed like every other hour! It wasn't exactly nausea, but more of a stomach discomfort and definitely a lot of bathroom time. I told this to Dr. Svahn and she said it is possible that Taxol, or the preservative/agent that they mix with the Taxol is upsetting my system and that it happens with a small fraction of her patients. I am wondering, why does it seem I am always included in the "small fraction" of her patients with awful side affects?! Bummer for me! Or maybe I should consider myself "special"?
So anyhoo, based on this stomach issue I had, she advised I be given another anti-nausea med today before the Taxol (called Kytril) AND suggested Immodium for the bathroom problem. I was also given a lot less Benadryl today; since I didn't have an adverse reaction to the Taxol while sitting in the infusion chair (by adverse reaction I mean no hives, face flush or difficulty breathing). It's comical. The first time they give you Taxol they also give you this little bell to hold and they watch you like a hawk for the first 10 minutes of the infusion. The nurse told me that if I was to feel really hot and flushed or couldn't breathe I was to ring the bell immediately. How comforting. Evidently if you ring the bell, they come running quickly with a fast-acting steroid shot to help combat the reaction. As they were giving me the Taxol, I sat there with my mom and we both had our eye on the clock. Like I said, the reaction happens within the first 10 minutes so you can bet we were watching each minute tick away with great curiosity. FOR ONCE, I wasn't included in the "small fraction" of folks who are allergic to the drug and everything went OK. I didn't need to ring the bell.
I am learning so much from this experience, did I mention that?
Here's some good news: I don't have the tingling in my hands or feet, or extreme body ache, as the doctor said I might. Yippee! She also told me that Taxol is NOT a cumulative medicine; meaning the side affects will get better as my body learns to tolerate and accept it, NOT worse (as it was with my very difficult A/C treatments). I am willing to let myself believe this and this time around I feel better prepared. Two Taxol infusions down, only 10 more to go!
Some other good news: on the days this week when I didn't have GI issues, I felt pretty darn good. I was able to take Conrad out bike riding in the neighborhood, cook dinner, do laundry and help the kids with homework. This is very promising! By golly, I almost felt near normal. This morning I even got gutsy and went to my favorite 5:30 am spin class at the gym! It not only felt great to exercise my legs but it boosted my spirits and moral to see my friends. They all clapped for me at the end of class and I almost cried. Dr. Svahn said that exercising is a great idea, granted I listen to my body and only do what I can. I was so proud to make it through the entire class. My plan is to attend every MWF, when I am feeling well. I had forgotten how much exercising means to me. It's such an important part of my psyche and I NEED it as often as possible. I have a strange feeling that I might be back riding my bike up the mountain sooner than I thought!
As always, I like to THANK folks who have been so generous, loving and helpful to me. I won't name names, but you know who you are and I am so thankful to have an incredible support group of loyal supporters. Yes, I am a strong person, but I could not get through this without the help of others. I fully acknowledge and accept that. Someday I know there will come a time for ME to help someone else out in a similar situation; and I will do so with a loving and thankful heart.
My good friend, Elaine Shingleton, is a nurse and director of the oncology staff at Kaiser in Walnut Creek. Last night on the telephone she told me something very positive. She said that in our lifetime, it is very possible that researchers will discover a drug or drugs to kill cancer without producing negative side affects for patients. Basically, the future medicines will kill ONLY the bad cancer cells and not attack the good ones as well (as they do now). Wow! That is a very cool thought as I navigate through these crazy few months of treatment, experiencing side affects in my body that I wouldn't wish for my biggest enemy. Now, more than ever, I am determined to get involved in more fundraising events to help raise money so the researchers can do their job and find us these medicines. It is my hope that she, indeed, is right.
Today's infusion was a little different because based on how the treatment went last week, the doctor decided to change some medications for me. (I go to these Taxol treatments every Friday now.) Last week on days 3 and 4 following the infusion my GI tract was extremely upset and I was in and out of the bathroom for what seemed like every other hour! It wasn't exactly nausea, but more of a stomach discomfort and definitely a lot of bathroom time. I told this to Dr. Svahn and she said it is possible that Taxol, or the preservative/agent that they mix with the Taxol is upsetting my system and that it happens with a small fraction of her patients. I am wondering, why does it seem I am always included in the "small fraction" of her patients with awful side affects?! Bummer for me! Or maybe I should consider myself "special"?
So anyhoo, based on this stomach issue I had, she advised I be given another anti-nausea med today before the Taxol (called Kytril) AND suggested Immodium for the bathroom problem. I was also given a lot less Benadryl today; since I didn't have an adverse reaction to the Taxol while sitting in the infusion chair (by adverse reaction I mean no hives, face flush or difficulty breathing). It's comical. The first time they give you Taxol they also give you this little bell to hold and they watch you like a hawk for the first 10 minutes of the infusion. The nurse told me that if I was to feel really hot and flushed or couldn't breathe I was to ring the bell immediately. How comforting. Evidently if you ring the bell, they come running quickly with a fast-acting steroid shot to help combat the reaction. As they were giving me the Taxol, I sat there with my mom and we both had our eye on the clock. Like I said, the reaction happens within the first 10 minutes so you can bet we were watching each minute tick away with great curiosity. FOR ONCE, I wasn't included in the "small fraction" of folks who are allergic to the drug and everything went OK. I didn't need to ring the bell.
I am learning so much from this experience, did I mention that?
Here's some good news: I don't have the tingling in my hands or feet, or extreme body ache, as the doctor said I might. Yippee! She also told me that Taxol is NOT a cumulative medicine; meaning the side affects will get better as my body learns to tolerate and accept it, NOT worse (as it was with my very difficult A/C treatments). I am willing to let myself believe this and this time around I feel better prepared. Two Taxol infusions down, only 10 more to go!
Some other good news: on the days this week when I didn't have GI issues, I felt pretty darn good. I was able to take Conrad out bike riding in the neighborhood, cook dinner, do laundry and help the kids with homework. This is very promising! By golly, I almost felt near normal. This morning I even got gutsy and went to my favorite 5:30 am spin class at the gym! It not only felt great to exercise my legs but it boosted my spirits and moral to see my friends. They all clapped for me at the end of class and I almost cried. Dr. Svahn said that exercising is a great idea, granted I listen to my body and only do what I can. I was so proud to make it through the entire class. My plan is to attend every MWF, when I am feeling well. I had forgotten how much exercising means to me. It's such an important part of my psyche and I NEED it as often as possible. I have a strange feeling that I might be back riding my bike up the mountain sooner than I thought!
As always, I like to THANK folks who have been so generous, loving and helpful to me. I won't name names, but you know who you are and I am so thankful to have an incredible support group of loyal supporters. Yes, I am a strong person, but I could not get through this without the help of others. I fully acknowledge and accept that. Someday I know there will come a time for ME to help someone else out in a similar situation; and I will do so with a loving and thankful heart.
My good friend, Elaine Shingleton, is a nurse and director of the oncology staff at Kaiser in Walnut Creek. Last night on the telephone she told me something very positive. She said that in our lifetime, it is very possible that researchers will discover a drug or drugs to kill cancer without producing negative side affects for patients. Basically, the future medicines will kill ONLY the bad cancer cells and not attack the good ones as well (as they do now). Wow! That is a very cool thought as I navigate through these crazy few months of treatment, experiencing side affects in my body that I wouldn't wish for my biggest enemy. Now, more than ever, I am determined to get involved in more fundraising events to help raise money so the researchers can do their job and find us these medicines. It is my hope that she, indeed, is right.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Wednesday, August 24th - Dr. Svahn Appointment
This morning, I recluctantly drove to Dr. Svahn's office in Pleasant Hill for my white blood cell count checkup. Just pulling into the parking lot at her office makes me feel sick to my stomach (since that is where I've been getting chemo every other week)! I have felt so ill with every infusion that I dread going there. But alas, it is what I have to do to regain my health, so go there I will.
Dr. Svahn said that all my blood counts looked good at that I was just a tad anemic, but nothing to worry about. My weight is the exact same from the day I started chemo, which is good. I told her that I have a great deal of anxiety about my next treatment on Friday...I guess I am so tainted by what I have gone through these past two months that I just can't think about MORE drugs in my system. She assured me that in fact, the hardest part of my treatment is behind me and very soon I will start feeling strong again. The new drug I am set to receive is not nearly as difficult on the system, and nausea is NOT a side effect. The main things I may experience (and I think I wrote about this before) is a tingling in my hands and possibly joint/body ache. Evidently, the joint ache can be relieved with Aleve or Advil and the tingling is just something they keep an eye on. There is no mediation cocktail to take following treatment (unlike when I was receving the first four infusions) and I should be able to go about my normal activities. That is terrific news! In fact, I have been feeling stronger everyday, and while not 100%, I am hopeful to get there soon. I have been walking every evening lately and I try to push myself a little further each time. I am even considering attending my favorite spin class once the kids go back to school. I might not be able to make it through the entire class, but I thought it might be fun to give it a shot!
Again, many thanks for your meals, phone calls, emails, cards, letters and gifts. I am SO behind on writing thank you cards so please forgive me if I owe you one...I promise to get them out to everyone once I get over this "hump". Love to everyone.
Dr. Svahn said that all my blood counts looked good at that I was just a tad anemic, but nothing to worry about. My weight is the exact same from the day I started chemo, which is good. I told her that I have a great deal of anxiety about my next treatment on Friday...I guess I am so tainted by what I have gone through these past two months that I just can't think about MORE drugs in my system. She assured me that in fact, the hardest part of my treatment is behind me and very soon I will start feeling strong again. The new drug I am set to receive is not nearly as difficult on the system, and nausea is NOT a side effect. The main things I may experience (and I think I wrote about this before) is a tingling in my hands and possibly joint/body ache. Evidently, the joint ache can be relieved with Aleve or Advil and the tingling is just something they keep an eye on. There is no mediation cocktail to take following treatment (unlike when I was receving the first four infusions) and I should be able to go about my normal activities. That is terrific news! In fact, I have been feeling stronger everyday, and while not 100%, I am hopeful to get there soon. I have been walking every evening lately and I try to push myself a little further each time. I am even considering attending my favorite spin class once the kids go back to school. I might not be able to make it through the entire class, but I thought it might be fun to give it a shot!
Again, many thanks for your meals, phone calls, emails, cards, letters and gifts. I am SO behind on writing thank you cards so please forgive me if I owe you one...I promise to get them out to everyone once I get over this "hump". Love to everyone.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Saturday, August 20th - American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Wow! Am I blessed, or am I blessed? Mac and Jane McCormick and friends put together a team of generous folks (named Team Tamara!) who all donated their time and funds to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life fundraiser in Clayton this past weekend. It was amazing! All these wonderful people/families on Team Tamara each signed up for a 2-hour time slot to walk laps around the Clayton Community Park for a 24-hour time period (yes, and some crazy people even signed up to do the hours in the middle of the night!). It started on Saturday at 10 am with an opening ceremony and a "survivor's loop"; I was so happy to be well enough to attend and walk the loop with other survivors. Many of my good friends came out to cheer me on with big smiles! I wasn't feeling my very best, but at least I had recovered enough from the effects of chemo #4 to be there and enjoy the festivities. (One of the photos on this blog page was taken at the event.) Following the survivor's walk, each family took their turn doing the laps ALL DAY LONG and into the night until the fundraiser ended Sunday morning at 10 am. The team raised $1200 to benefit the ACS! And overall, $10,000 was raised to help folks like myself battling cancer! Amazing! I thank everyone who was involved from the bottom of my heart.
My plan is be strong and healthy next year and either help coordinate the event or be a captain of a team. I think it's a wonderful way for Clayton families to come together to work together for a great cause. It's a good way to teach our children that life is not always about ourselves; but we can all work together to benefit others in need.
I am hoping to have a good week before I have my next chemo on Friday. I haven't quite fully recovered from my last infusion, but at least feeling well enough to be out about a little bit. Friday's treatment will be a new drug, Taxol, and I have been told that it will be easier on my system. I sure hope so! Two of the most prevalent side affects of Taxol include body ache and tingling in the fingers/hands. After all the nausea I have endured over the past few months, I think I can handle both of those!
The kids will be returning to school on the 30th, and like most moms, I am very happy about this! It has been challenging to keep the kids occupied, especially when I have not been feeling well. I owe so much to the many friends and families who have HELPED me to keep them busy (especially my parents and my sister). With school starting, I will have more time to rest (if I need it) and focus on getting well. My treatments will be every Friday, and they will run until November 11th. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the juicy turkey and yummy pumpkin ale on Thanksgiving even more than usual this year!
My plan is be strong and healthy next year and either help coordinate the event or be a captain of a team. I think it's a wonderful way for Clayton families to come together to work together for a great cause. It's a good way to teach our children that life is not always about ourselves; but we can all work together to benefit others in need.
I am hoping to have a good week before I have my next chemo on Friday. I haven't quite fully recovered from my last infusion, but at least feeling well enough to be out about a little bit. Friday's treatment will be a new drug, Taxol, and I have been told that it will be easier on my system. I sure hope so! Two of the most prevalent side affects of Taxol include body ache and tingling in the fingers/hands. After all the nausea I have endured over the past few months, I think I can handle both of those!
The kids will be returning to school on the 30th, and like most moms, I am very happy about this! It has been challenging to keep the kids occupied, especially when I have not been feeling well. I owe so much to the many friends and families who have HELPED me to keep them busy (especially my parents and my sister). With school starting, I will have more time to rest (if I need it) and focus on getting well. My treatments will be every Friday, and they will run until November 11th. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the juicy turkey and yummy pumpkin ale on Thanksgiving even more than usual this year!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Saturday, August 13 - My last Neulasta shot - cause to celebrate!
I'm so sorry I haven't been blogging. The effects from the third chemo treatment were absolutely horrible and I felt too sick to even sit in front of the computer! The symptoms themselves were about the same (nauseau, tiredness, sores in my mouth, diareah, hair loss, etc.) but they all lasted LONGER then previous infusions. The doctor says that is because the effects are cumulative; the more drugs you have in your system, the longer it will take to expell them. I would say it took me eight days straight of experiencing all the side effects listed above before I felt any relief. I apologize if I didn't get a deserved thank you note to you yet this past week, or responded to emails or calls, I honestly just felt so sick that I didn't have the energy to do much of anything and I didn't feel like being social. I do feel your love, and I do enjoy getting your cards and messages! Sometimes I am just not well enough to respond. I hope you'll understand.
Heading into chemo #4 was not a happy day for me; knowing what was about to come. I am trying to handle the sickness as best I can. It's very important to me to keep things around home as normal as possible for the kids, so I try to meet their every need while taking care of myself. This even meant taking a recent shopping trip to the mall on Carolyn's birthday when I wasn't feeling 100%...but by golly, I did it (with some assistance from my mom)! I feel badly that both of our girls didn't have birthday parties this summer due to my illness, but I am hoping we can make it up to them sometime in the fall when I have more energy. Luckily, they have been pretty understanding of the situation.
And poor Harun! He is still loving me and caring for me as best he can even though I look like a freakshow! My hair is COMPLETLY gone now; yup, I am no longer fuzzy haired on top but completely bald. It was very itchy and scratch and was painful when I would lay my head on the pillow. So Elissa suggested taking a razor and shaving the remaining hair and Harun was happy to oblige. This made all the difference! I am no longer uncomfortable sleeping or wearing a cap. When I look in the mirror I think I look like a "conehead" person from Saturday Night Live (if any of you remember the skit!). The beauty is that I still have eyebrows and lashes so at least I have that going for me. I wear these wraps on my head sometimes and Harun laughs and tells me that I look like an Amish person, but honestly they are more comfortable than the wigs. I realize the wigs look better, but somehow for me they feel very unnatural and itchy and I'd rather not wear them unless I'm going somewhere in public with the kids and their friends.
All in all, the chemo treatment yesterday went well. My mom was with me and it was comforting to me to have her there. I wanted her to see just how crazy it is and how many drugs they give me in a short amount of time. Again, I have probably said this before but I have excellent, nurturing nurses and I am always happy to see them; even knowing they are about to shoot me up with poisionous drugs! This was my LAST round of receiving two cancer-killing drugs called "A" and "C" so there was reason to celebrate. We let out a big "WOO HOO!" when it was all over. These are the hardest-hitting of the all the drugs they give you and they usually give patients the most trouble with recovery. They hit you so hard that the doctors must allow you two weeks to recover in between treatments to assure that your body has that time to regain strength and build enough white blood cells so they can treat you once again. All my blood counts looked great yesterday so we were able to proceed with the infusion.
Two weeks from now I will switch regimes to a cancer-killing drug called Taxol. Trust me, Taxol has its' own list of crazy side affects, but one of them is NOT nausea so neededless to say I am banking on that. The nausea has been what has been hardest for me to endure. Depending on the day, it ranges somewhere between feeling like a bad hang over, the flu and morning sickness all rolled up into one, and it lasts for days on end. The Taxol is not as difficult on the body as the A/C so this infusion will be given to me once a week on Fridays (starting August 26th). I will have 12 Taxol treatments in a row, each once a week until November 14. (Can you tell how excited I am to be done with this; I'm already looking ahead toward my end date!!!). The oncologist tells me that 99.9% of her patients report that life gets much better once the Taxol starts...I am counting on that. That means life would start to roll downhill from here, in a good way.
This morning at 10 I will go for my last Neulasta shot...yippee! The shot is given in your arm to boost white blood cell counts in your blood marrow and therefore its' side affects include a general body ache and overall joint pain. I never look forward to it because I usually feel like crap afterwards (on top of the other crap I am already experiencing from the A/C!). Advil helps a little, or claritin. Neulasta is not given to patients during the Taxol regime so after this morning I am DONE with it!
A couple of exciting, positive things:
1) I think I might be participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life coming up next weekend in Clayton. I would LOVE to be able to do this, as the ACS has done so much for me since my diagnosis. I was amazed to find out how many programs they sponsor for cancer patients and how many resources they have available. If you know of someone participating in the walk and can afford a small donation, I encourage you to do this. I can attest that the money does go towards people like myself in need! The ACS gave me a $500 wig for free to wear during the length of my chemo treatments, no questions asked. It was awesome! I also attended a class they were hosting for women about skin care and makeup during chemo. It was very helpful...otherwise I wouldn't have known how to "draw" in my own eyebrows once they start falling out! The Relay for Life has a "Survivor's Loop" and I told the organizer that I was planning to be there, depending on how strong I was feeling. The event is a week from now and I am hoping to be well enough from this last chemo treatment to be there. We'll see. It might be good for me to walk among the other survivors and feel their energy. Come out and walk with me! Here's the link to the event:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11CA?sid=1003&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=34922
2) I am also considering doing a 5k fundraising walk for the Susan G. Komen foundation in San Francisco on Sunday, September 25. It's just a quick fun run or walk along the SF Embarcadero starting and finishing at the Ferry Building. The cost is just $30 to participate and you get a free T-shirt. If any of you have an inkling that you'd like to come out and walk with me I WOULD LOVE IT. This is not a fitness contest, by any means, but just a way to get out and walk and show support for the cause. (And trust me, I will be walking very SLOW since chemo has robbed me of almost all of my fitness). I think it might be beneficial for me to be around others who are either currently suffering from BC for who are survivors. Below is the link for the signup. The website is listed below. Check it out and send me an email if you'd like to come along and join the fun tsimbirdi@gmail.com
https://secure.info-komen.org/site/TRR/RacefortheCure/SFO_SanFranciscoAffiliate/605301980?pg=ptype&fr_id=2287
Heading into chemo #4 was not a happy day for me; knowing what was about to come. I am trying to handle the sickness as best I can. It's very important to me to keep things around home as normal as possible for the kids, so I try to meet their every need while taking care of myself. This even meant taking a recent shopping trip to the mall on Carolyn's birthday when I wasn't feeling 100%...but by golly, I did it (with some assistance from my mom)! I feel badly that both of our girls didn't have birthday parties this summer due to my illness, but I am hoping we can make it up to them sometime in the fall when I have more energy. Luckily, they have been pretty understanding of the situation.
And poor Harun! He is still loving me and caring for me as best he can even though I look like a freakshow! My hair is COMPLETLY gone now; yup, I am no longer fuzzy haired on top but completely bald. It was very itchy and scratch and was painful when I would lay my head on the pillow. So Elissa suggested taking a razor and shaving the remaining hair and Harun was happy to oblige. This made all the difference! I am no longer uncomfortable sleeping or wearing a cap. When I look in the mirror I think I look like a "conehead" person from Saturday Night Live (if any of you remember the skit!). The beauty is that I still have eyebrows and lashes so at least I have that going for me. I wear these wraps on my head sometimes and Harun laughs and tells me that I look like an Amish person, but honestly they are more comfortable than the wigs. I realize the wigs look better, but somehow for me they feel very unnatural and itchy and I'd rather not wear them unless I'm going somewhere in public with the kids and their friends.
All in all, the chemo treatment yesterday went well. My mom was with me and it was comforting to me to have her there. I wanted her to see just how crazy it is and how many drugs they give me in a short amount of time. Again, I have probably said this before but I have excellent, nurturing nurses and I am always happy to see them; even knowing they are about to shoot me up with poisionous drugs! This was my LAST round of receiving two cancer-killing drugs called "A" and "C" so there was reason to celebrate. We let out a big "WOO HOO!" when it was all over. These are the hardest-hitting of the all the drugs they give you and they usually give patients the most trouble with recovery. They hit you so hard that the doctors must allow you two weeks to recover in between treatments to assure that your body has that time to regain strength and build enough white blood cells so they can treat you once again. All my blood counts looked great yesterday so we were able to proceed with the infusion.
Two weeks from now I will switch regimes to a cancer-killing drug called Taxol. Trust me, Taxol has its' own list of crazy side affects, but one of them is NOT nausea so neededless to say I am banking on that. The nausea has been what has been hardest for me to endure. Depending on the day, it ranges somewhere between feeling like a bad hang over, the flu and morning sickness all rolled up into one, and it lasts for days on end. The Taxol is not as difficult on the body as the A/C so this infusion will be given to me once a week on Fridays (starting August 26th). I will have 12 Taxol treatments in a row, each once a week until November 14. (Can you tell how excited I am to be done with this; I'm already looking ahead toward my end date!!!). The oncologist tells me that 99.9% of her patients report that life gets much better once the Taxol starts...I am counting on that. That means life would start to roll downhill from here, in a good way.
This morning at 10 I will go for my last Neulasta shot...yippee! The shot is given in your arm to boost white blood cell counts in your blood marrow and therefore its' side affects include a general body ache and overall joint pain. I never look forward to it because I usually feel like crap afterwards (on top of the other crap I am already experiencing from the A/C!). Advil helps a little, or claritin. Neulasta is not given to patients during the Taxol regime so after this morning I am DONE with it!
A couple of exciting, positive things:
1) I think I might be participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life coming up next weekend in Clayton. I would LOVE to be able to do this, as the ACS has done so much for me since my diagnosis. I was amazed to find out how many programs they sponsor for cancer patients and how many resources they have available. If you know of someone participating in the walk and can afford a small donation, I encourage you to do this. I can attest that the money does go towards people like myself in need! The ACS gave me a $500 wig for free to wear during the length of my chemo treatments, no questions asked. It was awesome! I also attended a class they were hosting for women about skin care and makeup during chemo. It was very helpful...otherwise I wouldn't have known how to "draw" in my own eyebrows once they start falling out! The Relay for Life has a "Survivor's Loop" and I told the organizer that I was planning to be there, depending on how strong I was feeling. The event is a week from now and I am hoping to be well enough from this last chemo treatment to be there. We'll see. It might be good for me to walk among the other survivors and feel their energy. Come out and walk with me! Here's the link to the event:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11CA?sid=1003&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=34922
2) I am also considering doing a 5k fundraising walk for the Susan G. Komen foundation in San Francisco on Sunday, September 25. It's just a quick fun run or walk along the SF Embarcadero starting and finishing at the Ferry Building. The cost is just $30 to participate and you get a free T-shirt. If any of you have an inkling that you'd like to come out and walk with me I WOULD LOVE IT. This is not a fitness contest, by any means, but just a way to get out and walk and show support for the cause. (And trust me, I will be walking very SLOW since chemo has robbed me of almost all of my fitness). I think it might be beneficial for me to be around others who are either currently suffering from BC for who are survivors. Below is the link for the signup. The website is listed below. Check it out and send me an email if you'd like to come along and join the fun tsimbirdi@gmail.com
https://secure.info-komen.org/site/TRR/RacefortheCure/SFO_SanFranciscoAffiliate/605301980?pg=ptype&fr_id=2287
Monday, August 1, 2011
Monday, August 1st - I DO NOT CARRY THE GENETIC MARKER FOR BC!
Yippee! Some really good news came my way today...the genetic counselor at John Muir confirmed my blood test results and I do NOT carry the genetic markers (BRCA1 and BRCA2) for breast cancer! This is wonderful news for both me and for my family members. Essentially it means that no member of my family is any more likely to develop BC over their lifetime than the person next door. My girls are no more likely to develop this disease than anyone else because there is no genetic link.
This is also good news because it means I am not at a greater risk for developing ovarian cancer. If I indeed carried the gene, it would have been necessary for me to consider a hysterectomy since breast cancer and ovarian cancer are very closely linked. But alas! It's not a worry anymore! Woo hoo!
Still fighting the effects of the 3rd chemo (it's been the worst recovery from treatment to date!) but I will get through...
This is also good news because it means I am not at a greater risk for developing ovarian cancer. If I indeed carried the gene, it would have been necessary for me to consider a hysterectomy since breast cancer and ovarian cancer are very closely linked. But alas! It's not a worry anymore! Woo hoo!
Still fighting the effects of the 3rd chemo (it's been the worst recovery from treatment to date!) but I will get through...
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