Number 5...7 more to go!

I am sitting here waiting to start the infusion.  I can't wait to post half way done next week.

I had a good visit with my oncologist today.  As all of you know I had a zillion questions for him.  The biggest news is that since my neutrophils (I know words you don't understand and hopefully never will) are high I can eat some fresh fruit and veggies washed well.  Where oh where are those homegrown tomatoes??   The next good thing is we are decreasing the steroids to only 1 tablet 12 and 6 hours before my infusions.  Hopefully I will sleep better.  The echocardiogram came back normal.  They will need to continue to monitor this but so far the red devil didn't have an effect on it.  I have had some neuropathy starting in my left toes so we will need to monitor this and Dr. Davis said he still has some tricks up his sleeve if it gets worse.  I did ask how we monitor this after treatments are finished.  It basically becomes a blood work issue and symptoms.  They will establish a tumor marker from blood work and then proceed on if any additional scans are necessary.  

I have a busy week this week.  My cousin, Bro, from Portland, OR is stopping by this evening.  I am looking forward to his visit.  Tomorrow is a rest day.  Thursday we are meeting Karmen in Columbia and picking up the granddaughters to stay with us Thursday night and all day Friday.  On Friday Karlene will bring over the grandsons to play.  Whew I am sure I will sleep well on Friday night.  Then on Saturday evening we will babysit the grandsons so Adam and Karlene can have an enjoyable anniversary and night out.  I think I will take a nap while my infusion is going on so I can get in a little rest.

I may not post until Sunday.  Happy Labor Day weekend in advance!

God is so good to me.  I know He has a grand plan for me and thank Him everyday to staying by my side.

Here is pic of me at French Lick.  "Lord give me the strength to fight what I can and I will leave the rest up to You!"

Almost nine months!

I was thinking yesterday this journey has been as long as my pregnancies.  And the end result of those nine months was good so this will be too!

Nothing much has been happening this week.  I have had some different side effects but they come and go.  Overall I just keep plugging on.

I will see the oncologist Tuesday morning.  As usual I have several questions for him.  Hopefully it will be the usual good visit with him and I will proceed with #5.

It has been very hot in KC these last few days.  I have been hibernating and taking it easy.  I hope all of you in KC stay cool this week!

Drink lots of water and take it easy!  Have a good week!

One third down!

Just got lab results and I can have my infusion today!  Woohoo!  Counts are still low but staying steady and not decreasing which is good.  I just want to stay on track!  Praise be to God!

I will be here for another couple of hours.  Hopefully will get a nap before I am all done:)

Have a good rest of the week!

Status Quo

Things are just staying about the same.  I have had some side effects from this chemo but all in all they are tolerable.  My biggest frustration is that I tire easily.  I do well in the morning but start to slow down as the day progresses.  Oh wait maybe I am blaming that on chemo and it really is just my age :)  Wonder how long I can use chemo as an excuse?

Let me explain how tired I get.  Friday afternoon I spent time with my college friends.  Around 7 o'clock I began to wear out.  I came home laid down in bed to watch the Chiefs game.  I made it to half time and did not see or hear anything else until 11 pm.  I got up, put on the pajamas, brushed my teeth and proceeded to fall back asleep.  Last night I went to my friend's daughter's wedding.  I thoroughly enjoyed the evening (had my first alcohol in 5 months).  We were home a little after 9 and I went straight to bed.  Although Rick will say this is not much different then my routine prior to chemo.

Tomorrow Karlene and the boys are coming over.  Of course my day will fly by.  Then at 9 tomorrow night I begin my weekly regimen all over again.  Just say prayers for me that my counts are good enough for the infusion on Tuesday.

Nothing is planned for this week.  It is suppose to get warmer as the week progresses.  It is August but the cool weather has been nice.

This is my Bible verse for the week:  Psalm 27:1


The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?

Have a great week.  I will post on Tuesday to let you know if I can say " one third of the way done".

Single digits!

I got my infusion today which means I am down to single digits and a quater of a way through this chemo!  Nine more to go.

My counts were a little low today but they gave me the infusion anyway.  Not lower than they want but close!  We will see how this does for next week.  I will be on my cautious days for the week.  There is nothing I can do for the dang white blood cell count.  I just pray it stays where it is!

Today is Rick's birthday.  He has had an exciting day spending it in an infusion room.  We did go grab a bite to eat after chemo but really have no plans for the evening.  Saturday night was our celebration.

Nothing more to report.  I will get the house clean and laundry done in the next 24 hours before I crash.  Which means if you are not a sleeper during the night go ahead and call or text me.  I will be the energized bunny and probably cleaning a bathroom :)

Looks like the mild summer will continue this week.  Enjoy!

Race for the Cure pics

Here are a few pictures from the race!

                                                  Simply the Breast Coulter's Crew

                                          Jan and Stacy (team leaders) with the tearful blimp!

                                             Two of my many reasons to beat this disease!

Definitely Inspired

Who couldn't be inspired when one sees over 45 friends and family united to walk/run/donate in honor of them?  I am humbled by this experience.  The Race for the Cure was more than just a race to me. It was an inspiration for me to continue to fight and beat this dang disease because I have a lot of socializing and loving left to do!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  As you know my nature is not to receive gifts but to give.  I truly appreciate the gift of time and $$$ that you gave to me and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  Hugs and kisses to all of you.

I have taken my afternoon nap and feel recharged.  Today and tomorrow seem to be my "good" days.  I have physical torture tomorrow.  I will be bombarding her with a lot of questions.  Hopefully she will have suggestions to alleviate the tightness around my chest.  I am anxious to do more exercising but she has wanted me to finish treatment before I do too much.  Of course I think I am ready until I walk for a mile and then I am ready for a nap!

I will end this next week with spending time with my dear college friends.  We always have an annual few days bonding time.  This year it has been on hold because of my treatment but I am determined to get some "girl" time in sometime over the weekend.  Also my friend's daughter is getting married Saturday evening.  Even if I have to be wheeled in I will be at that wedding.  And I have special permission from the oncologist to have a glass of wine!  What a treat!

I will post some pictures as soon as Rick gets them downloaded to the computer.  He had to go to "work" this afternoon and didn't have time.

As my shirt says,  "I am proud to be your inspiration".

Final decision!

About 5:30 last night the phone rang.  It was the radiation oncologist.  I had seen her once prior to my surgery and liked how much time she spent with me at that time.  I was surprised she was calling me and not having her nurse set up an appointment!  Seriously she was loosing out on a $200 visit!  She wanted to know all about how things were going.  We chatted for about 10 minutes when I finally said I really needed to hear what SHE had to say.  Her words were, "YOU DO NOT NEED RADIATION."  I immediately said a prayer of thanksgiving to God.  She said the margins were widely clean.  And if there is a recurrence in the breast area we still have the radiation in our back pocket.  You cannot radiate an area twice.  Final decision!  I did a happy dance after that phone call.

After being the energized bunny for the last 48 hours my battery is wearing down.  The steroids get me going on Monday evenings and last until about 10 on Wednesday evening.  I then began my downward spiral.  I slept well last night and am having a hard time getting moving today.  The side effects with this chemo seem to come and go.  There's the fatigue, some bone pain, metallic taste in my mouth and the blimp effect from the steroids.  Overall it is tolerable.  I am just learning how to deal with it and get through the next couple of months.  The biggest challenge is that the steroids play havoc with my arms and chest area.  They feel so heavy and full.  I wear my compression sleeves off and on which are a pain!  This too shall pass.

I probably won't post anything until after the race on Sunday.  If I can figure out how to post a pic on the blog I will post the team picture.

Have a good rest of the week.

Tuesdays posts

As uncreative as it may be my Tuesday posts will be count downs.  Today is ten more to go!

My counts were good today so infusion number 2 took place.  I ate lunch and just took a 20 minute power nap.  I am getting ready to run a few errands while on my steroid high.

Yesterday I had a follow up visit with my breast surgeon.  He said scar and everything looks good.  I complained about the numbness under my arms and around my side.  He hopes after chemo it will get better and nerve endings take a long time to improve.  As far as the tightness around my chest I will see if there is more I can do from the physical therapist to alleviate that feeling.  We talked about radiation.  He agreed with my oncologist that he did not think I needed it but did advise me to reconsult with the radiation oncologist I saw presurgery.  I have a call into her.  Please say prayers that she agrees with the other doctors!

I plan on doing lots of resting this week to be ready for the race on Sunday.  I will post if there is anything to report.  Otherwise think positive thoughts for me:)

Pollyanna is back!

Okay I had my pity party and now ready to fight.

I just got done walking .90 miles on the treadmill.  I know this isn't much but for me I felt like I was beginning training for a marathon:). Onward and upward.  Breast cancer just picked a fight with the wrong chick!

I just finished talking to Stacy.  She will be sending out an email later today to the team participants.  In it she will list your options of how to get your packet.  If you want your packet from me Rick will deliver it to you.  Stacy is picking up the packets Tuesday evening and will get the ones to me that I know we can deliver.  It will be absolutely insane that morning so we are trying to make it easy for everyone.

I must remember the Bible verse I posted at the beginning.

Phil 4:13
I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.

Fatigue

I have been tired with this chemo.  I do a few things and seem to get worn out.  It hasn't been like the AC but I haven't had my full energy.  And the frustrating part is that I am hoping I will feel better tomorrow and Monday but I start it all over again Tuesday.  I don't seem to get as much recovery time.  Oh well it just means I will have lots to work on come mid October with loosing some weight and doing work around the house!

With this being said I have had a few "weepy" moments the last few days.  I started this whole process with my diagnosis the end of February.  After 5 months I have hit the brick wall.  I am tired.  My arms feel weird and always will feel that way.  My chest feels like I have a cord wrapped around it.  My port bugs the crap out of me.  I have to sleep flat on my back with my arms propped up.  I have to drink lots of water every day.  (Therefore you know what comes after that!)  I take pills constantly (which I had never taken more than an Ibuprofen before this).  I have to always worry about getting my arms infected...no sun, no burns, no bites, no open wounds.  My aunt passed away yesterday and I don't have the energy to even attend her funeral in St. Charles.

Whew...sorry I just had to say all of this.  I do not want sympathy.  Please do not feel sorry for me.  I am a survivor!  But there are some days that are difficult.  Just like it is in "normal" life.  I am positive and know I have God on my side but it is a journey of ups and downs.  I say all of this so you have a realistic idea of what happens in a survivor's journey.

Looks like we have 42 for the Race for the Cure Coulter's Crew.  I have been trying to get out my thank you notes but I am moving slow.  I would like to thank all of you for your contributions.  Some of you have contributed in my name so I am not able to personally thank you.  Just know I truly am touched by your giving to this foundation.

I hope you have had time to enjoy this weekend.  It is hard to believe it is August in Kansas City and the temps have not been in the 90's.

So far tolerable!

Taxol seems to be much easier for me right now.  It will be a cumulative effect also but number uno hasn't been bad.  I think by number 12 I will be glad I am done!  I am tired today but nothing like with the AC.  I do have some bone pain but heck who doesn't at my age:)  Bone pain and neuropathy are two of the main side effects from this chemo.  I am mixing the Glutamine and drinking it 3 times a day to help with this.  I have no idea of whether it is working but I am not going to test the waters and not drink it!

I really have no plans for this week.  I have enough around the house to keep me busy but it just depends on whether I want to use the excuse "I am having chemo" to avoid doing anything.

I sure hope this weather holds out for the race on the 11th.  It is warm and humid but nothing like it could be this time of year.  I think there are about 38 signed up for the race.  I don't know that the suite will hold everyone so it may be a drive through to pick up a bagel, water or juice and some fruit:)  Thanks again to everyone.

Nothing really to report right now.  As my granddaughter said I am beginning to look like a Chia pet!  Some of my hair is sprouting but not enough to go without my hat...too easy to burn right now.  I am loosing my eyebrows and eyelashes.  Oh well...more things to look forward to when this all is done.

 I need to remember what is written in the Bible in 1 Peter 3:3-4:

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."