Feeling good!

The new meds are working!  No nausea this time.  Of course steroids are great!  I may look like a frigging balloon by the time I am finished but I will deal with that later.

I had the Neulasta shot today.  The side effects from it will be bone pain as it is a stimulant to the bone marrow.  Believe it or not I took had to take a Claritin to off set those pains.  Who knew that???

I thought steroids were to keep you from sleeping but I have slept off and on all day.  The rainy day didn't help.  I may be like a newborn and have my nights and days messed up.  Oh well I have all the time in the world to do whatever my body tells me.

Thanks for all the prayers.  God is so good to me!

Counts up!

I can't believe that after only 24 hours my WBC doubled.  I believe in the power of prayer:)  I am sitting here getting my treatment and thought I would post my good news.

Hopefully the new meds will work and I will have minimal nausea.  If I don't post for a few days do not be alarmed.  I may be napping a lot.  Although I am taking lots of steriods so I may be writing constantly and not sleeping.  But once I finish them I may crash for a few days.

If you are in the Kansas City area stay safe with the storms that are predicted.

Bummer....

I am not getting an infusion today.  My white blood cell count has come back up but not high enough for another treatment.  All other counts are good.  They will try to do a treatment tomorrow.  From now on the day after I have a treatment I will have to have what they call a neulasta shot to increase my white blood cell count.  I was hoping to avoid this shot because it too has side effects.  But I want to get the treatments on schedule so will do whatever has to be done.

Now that I have the day free I will have to get a few more things done around the house:)

Hope all of you have a good week.

Good day for a nap!

It is a rainy Memorial Day in Kansas City.  It would be a good day for a nap but I am feeling good so I don't see a nap in my future today.  In fact I am preparing for my "nap days" this week so I am trying to get laundry and other things done before I have my treatment tomorrow.

I have asked God to give me strength and not too much disappointed if they have to delay treatment due to my counts.  My appointment is at 8:30 in the morning.  I am thinking positive thoughts and preparing for a morning of sitting and receiving my infusion.  With that being said I am also hoping the new meds they are giving me will help with the severe nausea I had last time.  If they do not work I do know that it will be over within 5 days!  Prayers please.....

Yesterday I did go to Ethan's "Choo Choo I Am 2" birthday party.  Karmen and family were there so I got to see all my family.  I did not get too close to all the little "petrie" dishes but at least I could watch them.  I had a great time.

I really am feeling well.  If there are not any posts this week it is becuase I know I will have a few down days this week.  Thanks for all of the emails, texts and cards.  I know God is listening.

Thank you to all who have fought or are fighting for our freedom.  Today is a day to remember those men and women who were willing to die for their country.

Down for the count!

Looks like I will be staying home for the next few days.  My white blood cell count is super low.  This is a normal reaction after about two weeks after an infusion.  As a preventative measure I am on an antibiotic.  I must stay away from crowds of people too.  Hopefully by Tuesday the count will be back up.  I have not received a shot to increase the counts.  I think the doctor is hoping they will come back on their own.

I have slept off and on most of the day.  Sounds like an exciting life huh?  Oh well I am doing what my body tells me to do!

Cooler weather here today.  I have noticed a bald head gets cold:)

Have a good rest of the week.

Hair today, Gone tomorrow

Actually hair is gone now!  This morning I was running my hand through my hair and realized it was falling out.  As the proactive person I am I called my hairdresser and said it was time for a shave.  She worked me in this afternoon.  I was a little "weepy" prior to going but gave myself a pep talk that it will grow back.  A shaved head is nothing compared to all the horrific things happening in Oklahoma right now.  The next time you see me I may have on a scarf, hat, wig or just going "al natural".

I am still feeling well.  Although physical therapy kicked my butt yesterday.  I don't have another session for a few weeks due to having another infusion on Tuesday.  I have blood work tomorrow so hopefully counts are not too low.  I really am hoping to avoid any shots to boost my white cell count.

If you are in Kansas City be sure to get out and enjoy the lovely weather!  I know I am!

Good Weekend

I hope each of you has had a wonderful weekend.  There is so much to be thankful for in our lives.  I pray that God continues to give me strength so that each day is better.

Physical therapy on Friday was awesome.  The therapist did some massage techniques on my arms to help with some cording that was developing and limiting my range of motion.  Now I did have to cry "uncle" a couple of times because it wasn't all pleasant but my movement has improved so much.  I have another session tomorrow and hope it continues to help.

Yesterday was another first for me in several months.  Rick and I took a drive to Rocheport, MO and had dinner at a winery called Les Bourgeois.  It was about an hour and half drive and I did well.  Of course it would have been much better if I could have had a glass of wine!  But all in all I had another good day.

Today I got up and fixed chicken salad, made chocolate chip cookies, and had some visitors.  Karlene and Ethan came over for the afternoon!  We tried to "sanitize" Mr. Ethan and I didn't kiss on him but it sure was good to see him.  I have not had physical contact with him since I began the chemo treatment to avoid his little germ infested body.  I missed having him around here.  Thank goodness for technology though because we do Facetime almost every day.  Once again I had another good day.

Now this doesn't mean I don't get tired.  I do.  But I am learning to pace myself.  I will have blood work again on Wednesday and hopefully my counts are coming back so I can have another treatment next Tuesday.   Hey after that treatment I will be half way done with the schedule of 4!

Yes...it has been a good weekend.

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect."  Psalm 18:32

Much Better

The last few days I have felt much better.  I still get fatigued but at least the nausea has subsided.  Yesterday the blood work did show that my counts were a little low (which is expected) but nothing too alarming.  I go back next Wednesday for more blood work.

My cousin (Bro as I call him) from Portland, OR visited for a while on Tuesday.  It was good to see him.  Of course BBQ is always on the menu when he is here and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed some ribs.

After having blood drawn yesterday I went shopping for a bit.  (Rick doesn't always think that is a good sign!)  Then we went over to Karlene's so I could hold little Emerson for a while.  This always makes me feel much better.  I really miss seeing Ethan but he is such a walking Petrie dish that I need to avoid contact with him until my counts come back up.  I was tired after all of this but felt good.

Today I am going to try to accomplish some cleaning.  Some things are beginning to drive me nuts so I guess I am feeling better.  I know it will take me twice the time to do this but at least I feel like doing them.

Tomorrow I have physical therapy.  My range of motion is getting better but there are still some issues with my arms.  I don't think I will ever get use to the numbness under my arms!  I am hoping the therapist will have some suggestions to alleviate this feeling.  I have been trying to stay on schedule and do my exercises three times a day.

This just about sums up my week.  It has been much better!  I think that is a good sign.

Sunny Day

The sun is shining brightly today.  It is a beautiful day God has made.

I am beginning to feel a little better.  It has been a rough last 5 days.  But today I made breakfast (and ate some), did dishes, paid bills, put some laundry in, ate a little lunch and now ready to take a break.  As you all know sitting still is not my game but the chemo is taking charge of the ball right now.

I just pray for strength and to be on top of my game by May 28th when I have the next infusion.  In the meantime I go for blood work every week as they monitor my counts.  Hopefully they won't go too low.

If you are in Kansas City enjoy the summer weather that is coming our way tomorrow.

Have a good week!

Hanging towel up to dry!

Okay so the towel got a little limp and wet the last few days but I didn't throw it in:)

I feel much better after the infusions this morning.  I also asked for the motion sickness patch I had during my surgeries.  I don't know what is working but I feel much better!  In fact I ate some lunch and ready for some dinner.  Maybe this part is behind me.

The nurse explained that they will change up my meds before my next chemo treatment.  Now that they know I have so much trouble with nausea they will give me different meds.  Hopefully I will not go through this again.

Thanks for all the emails, texts and phone calls.  I still think the power of prayer works.  I thanked God this morning for medical personnel that can help me through this process.

To all of you that are moms....have a great Mother's Day weekend.

Gettin Fluffed

The last 48 hours have not been good.  I called the nurse this morning.  I am now at the infusion center getting fluids and IV anti-nausea medicine.  I am praying this works cause I was ready to throw in the towel!

Just a little update for you.  I will post more later!

Morning Sickness Low

The steroid high didn't last long.  Last night was a night of misery followed by a morning of misery.  I have had lots of nausea and some vomiting.  Not pleasant...reminds me of morning sickness!  The nurse said if I was prone to motion sickness and had morning sickness with my pregnancies I would likely have some nausea.  I guess I am doomed.

I have been trying to get moving today but it has been a slow go.  I told myself I will not give up on my physical therapy so off I go.

Have a good day.

 

Steriod High!

Whew I think I could do about anything right now!  I am hoping these steriods wear off before bedtime or else Rick won't have to worry about any house cleaning.

One quarter of the way done with this first cycle of chemo:)  It really was quite painless.  The port makes all the difference. The only reaction I had was a headache which the nurse said is quite common with the Cytoxan.  She gave me a Claritin and it really helped.

I will go in weekly for blood draws to see how my counts are doing.  Today everything was perfect so at least I had a good baseline.  I know they won't stay that way but at least I didn't start the chemo under the weather.  I will have my next infusion on the Tuesday after Memorial Day.  Karlene is planning Ethan's second birthday party on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend so hopefully my counts are up and I will get to celebrate with them.

The nurse really encouraged me to keep as normal of a routine as possible.  I plan on doing that.  The biggest side effect will be fatigue but that is what naps are for!  In fact after I post this blog I am off to doing my arm exercises prescribed by the physical therapist.

I made it through this with God and Rick holding my hand.  I know your prayers helped as well.

Moving In!

I am getting ready to go for my first infusion and it looks like I am staying for a few days.  I have snacks (of course food is needed), water, IPad, laptop, book, movie, blanket, and pillow.  Of course the treatment center is only 5 minutes from our house so Rick could come home and get more if I need it:)

I didn't sleep much last night.  Wonder why?  So I am hoping some of the drugs will make me sleep today. If not I have plenty to keep me occupied.  And, of course, Rick always can entertain anyone!

I will try to post later today.  In the meantime I feel all those thoughts and prayers you are sending my way.

Results

I just talked to the oncologist's nurse and the results of the oncotype test were high.  This means that the chance of breast cancer recurrence is high so I will need to do all the rounds of chemo.  I will begin Wednesday with the 4 rounds of A/C every 3 weeks.  After that protocol is finished I will do 12 rounds of Taxol once every week.  When this is completed I will be on a hormone therapy for 5 years.  It all sounds overwhelming to me right now.  To be quite honest I am scared!  I know I will get through it with the great support system I have and my faith but that doesn't minimize my fear.  I hope they give me some good drugs to relax me:)

I enjoyed this last weekend tremendously.  All of you know that my family is one of the most important things to me so being able to see all of my grandkids and two daughters was just the best.  I have a great picture of all the grandkids uploaded to my phone and IPad so I can glance at them during my treatment.

Many of you have asked what you can do.  I really don't know the answer to that question.  I have no idea how I am going to react to the chemo so I think Rick and I are going to have to "wing it".  If I see something I need as I proceed I will be sure to let you know.  I just ask that you continue to pray for me and Rick.

Thank you dear friends and family.  Love to all of you!

Prayers Work!

God does work in mysterious ways and as humans we would like to control those situations.  But I must say He has more than answered my prayers these last two days.

Seeing and holding my new grandson was so important to me.  I got to hold him and watch his little brother be introduced to him.  Now a two year old has a different approach to the situation.  He was more interested in how the bed worked, calling the nurse and overall exploring the room.  Although it was sweet to see him sit in his mom's lap and look at his little brother!  (He did have to poke his eye though.)  I slept like a baby myself last night.

Today I have felt good.  I still know the port is there but I am getting use to its little zaps when I move.  I decided the thing I would normally do after my daughter had a baby would be take a meal to them.  So I have been cooking and preparing a meal for them tomorrow.  As I was cooking this afternoon I received a phone call from Karmen.  She said to add 3 more to that meal for tomorrow.  I would like to think she is coming to see her mom but I know she can't wait to get her hands on her new little nephew.  I really don't care the reason....I will get to see all 4 of my grandkids tomorrow and both of my daughters.  As in the movie Hope Floats all I can say is that "my cup runneth over".

Weather has been gloomy but it is bright and sunny in my little world.

Have a good rest of the weekend....I know I will!

 

Waiting for a little snowman!

Our little guy decided a May snowstorm would be a good time to enter the world! Emerson Coulter Newsom just was born.  He weighed 7 lbs 13oz and is 19.5 inches long.  I just received the text from his dad.   Rick and I have been at their house all night with Ethan.

I just have to thank God over and over again.  I SO needed him to arrive before I started chemo.  Praise be to God.

Will post more later.  I am going to get some sleep before a two year old wakes up!