I am gaining strength daily as I begin to shake off the effects of Chemo Therapy. I notice the chem taste in my mouth lessening. I have more clarity of mind and more bounce in my step! :)
I am aware I still fatigue easily, and if I don't drink at least 2 qts of water (more is better) then I get that taste in my mouth and tired quickly.
My muscles lack stamina and strength. When I exercise I find that my heart rate goes up really fast. Physical Therapy tells me to keep it at 50%... but that is hard to do. I get on the Curves machines and my mind wants to go at my usual pace. Gotta sloooow down. This is all part of the damage the chemicals do to the cells in the body. They will come back and I will be back to my old self in the near future. I am hoping that by continuing to exercise in some form I will be able to speed up the healing process.
I continue to praise God for his graciousness to me. He protected me from nausea, vomiting, sores in my mouth and out of control infections. I thank you for your prayers and encouragement.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sore... tired....
I woke up this morning feeling pretty good, but as the day has worn on that feeling has left me.
The wind was blowing this morning, the kind of wind I love to take advantage of to get rid of leaves. Getting the leaves up in the air, using a leaf blower or rake, and watching them blow away into the field is one of my fall pleasures. I just couldn't resist the opportunity to play with the wind and leaves before my radiation appointment at 11:45. I reluctantly quit and went to Walla Walla. I got there with the appropriate amount of time to change and read my devotional.. ready when they were! But Alas! There were about 4-5 people ahead of me! I waited in for about 1 hour. That just about did me in! I became more tired as the minutes wore on. I was assured that this was very unusual. I heard a comment from another patient that Mondays seem to be like this. We shall see! Please pray that I would have the right attitude about these daily trips and treatments. I just can't let this get me down.
I saw was a very resourceful, smart lady. Instead of putting on one of the ridiculously long, open in the front, exposing hospital gowns, she brought a button up the front, loose fitting shirt. Much more coverage, and comfortable, and no long tails to fight with on the radiation table. I am going to do some prowling in my closet for the right shirt.
After my treatment I went to a friends house (Brenda Kirk) to hang out until my Physical Therapy Appt at 3. What a blessing to have a place to rest. I was able to work on my Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study with a gorgeous view of the Blue Mountains in the distance, and a playful kitten investigating my lunch and Bible. It almost made me want to have a inside cat. Then I rested in a recliner with the kitten napping right beside me!
I am struggling at the moment with slow plumbing... the effect of anti-nausea meds. I expect that it will be resolved in a day or two, but it is not very comfortable now.
My muscles are sore and weak, and I have no energy to speak of.
Thank you for your prayers!
The wind was blowing this morning, the kind of wind I love to take advantage of to get rid of leaves. Getting the leaves up in the air, using a leaf blower or rake, and watching them blow away into the field is one of my fall pleasures. I just couldn't resist the opportunity to play with the wind and leaves before my radiation appointment at 11:45. I reluctantly quit and went to Walla Walla. I got there with the appropriate amount of time to change and read my devotional.. ready when they were! But Alas! There were about 4-5 people ahead of me! I waited in for about 1 hour. That just about did me in! I became more tired as the minutes wore on. I was assured that this was very unusual. I heard a comment from another patient that Mondays seem to be like this. We shall see! Please pray that I would have the right attitude about these daily trips and treatments. I just can't let this get me down.
I saw was a very resourceful, smart lady. Instead of putting on one of the ridiculously long, open in the front, exposing hospital gowns, she brought a button up the front, loose fitting shirt. Much more coverage, and comfortable, and no long tails to fight with on the radiation table. I am going to do some prowling in my closet for the right shirt.
After my treatment I went to a friends house (Brenda Kirk) to hang out until my Physical Therapy Appt at 3. What a blessing to have a place to rest. I was able to work on my Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study with a gorgeous view of the Blue Mountains in the distance, and a playful kitten investigating my lunch and Bible. It almost made me want to have a inside cat. Then I rested in a recliner with the kitten napping right beside me!
I am struggling at the moment with slow plumbing... the effect of anti-nausea meds. I expect that it will be resolved in a day or two, but it is not very comfortable now.
My muscles are sore and weak, and I have no energy to speak of.
Thank you for your prayers!
Friday, November 6, 2009
4th and Last Chemo!
Short Version: The last chemo went without incident. I am feeling more symptoms tonight, but I was able to join my friend Dawn's 40th birthday party. I also had my 4th radiation, (the last one at 7:30 AM Hallelujah!!!) Between treatments Preston & I went out for breakfast, and then for a great 2 mile walk around a small “lake” (Bennington Lake) near Walla Walla. A very good way to pass the time!
Long Version: Radiation was uneventful. I talked the Phlebotomist into drawing my blood at the time of my Radiation treatment… so we wouldn’t have sit in the waiting room while the blood is processed. Then we left for breakfast and our walk (at Kendra’s suggestion- good call, my dear!)
We had a nice chat with Dr. Quakenbush about what’s next, and how I will be monitored for return cancers (His answer was “annual mammograms, but others in my Dr. team may say differently”). He also got the ball rolling on the Arimidex. (the 5 year estrogen blocking prescription) He had an insurance specialist get preauthorization…it currently costs $300 a month (it should go generic in a year). Praise God our insurance covers it without preauth. with a $25 copay per month and if we get it through mail order… 3 month supply cost $50. Before I left the Cancer Center the mail order people called me and it is all set up!! Amazingly fast and easy! Dr. had volunteered that if our insurance wouldn’t cover it they had many ways to help with the cost.
Again, my blood work was “beautiful”. They did have to search for a good vein for the IV, but did it with one stick. I remembered my Ipod this time.. so I was able to listen to soothing music, and I worked on my Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study! GOOD Stuff in it today!, about God’s patience with us. I had not seen before that God said he put the rainbow in the sky to remind himself and us that he will not destroy the earth again that way. He realizes how frail we are. What a great God we serve! I am thankful for His patience!
At the end of the treatment the nurse gave me a piece of “last treatment celebration cake”. What a fun gesture.I am feeling a few more symptoms…it seems to me. More tingly feet and lips. More leaning toward queasy, especially if I move too fast, but no nausea or vomiting. My head feels thick.
I came home to a very cheerful bouquet of balloons and a plant from my family in Talent! Thank you Mom, Dad, Cyndi & Scott
My camp friend Pam sent me 4 white roses. She began a tradition (at my first chemo treatment) of four roses each white rose signified a completed chemo. Today they are alllllll white. My friend Dawn (I think) added the yellow lilies. They are very pretty don’t you think?
I feel very loved and cared for!
Please pray that I know how much to rest, how much to exercise, and when to ask for help. I am sometimes feeling overwhelmed and discouraged… especially about the daily trips to Walla Walla and some projects I need to organize. I keep reminding myself…. One Day At A Time!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Radiation Begins
Short Version:
Last Thursday I had the prep work done for radiation. This involved high tech measuring and a CT Scan. I was told that after the team of 4 experts got together, reviewed my information and develop the treatment plan I would be called to make my first appointment. Yesterday, Monday, I got the call, and my first radiation appointment was scheduled for 7:30 this morning. The rest of the week my daily appointments will be at 7:30 Then next week they will be at 11:45 and it will continue to be such for the duration of the 37 treatments
Long Version:
At the appointment last Thursday, Preston and I met with Dr. Nigrin, she didn't tell us anything we didn't already know, except that they could start the radiation therapy as early as the next week. I reminded her that I had one more chemo treatment on the following Friday. She indicated that was no big deal, in many places treatments are done concurrently. She did say that there seemed to be a preference to do them consecutively here (she is relatively new to the area), but a little overlap will not be problematic at all. I am of the mind that "the sooner we start, the sooner we are done"..... so.... On With IT! :) Once they have the information from the Simulation and CT Scan four team members would meet (Dr. Nigrin, someone else who was an expert in machine settings and doses, and a team leader from the radiation therapist, and some other important person) and set up the treatment plan, then I would get a call and be told when my first treatment would be.
Simulation: During the SIM Preston sat in the Radiation Waiting area visiting with the people who were waiting for radiation treatments. The Simulation was a bit mysterious. They had me lay on a table that had lumps and bumps, and a contraption that held my head in a "just so" place and my arms and hands "just so" over my head. " tip your chin up...to the left just a bit.... now don't move or we will have to start all over! Don't talk unless you need too.... people always talk with their hands." Then the measuring, surveying, and marking began. It appeared to me they were using laser lights and cross hairs, and maybe even a tape measure to do all the marking... with a felt marker. They drew boxes and lines and I don' tknow what all on my right breast, then they marked 4 spots.... two on my chest mid line and one on each side of my body, I think at the bottom of my rib cage. These they tattooed. Yep, I have my first and only tattoos! Four little periods. My understanding is that these tattoos are used for the lining up everything each time to make sure they are radiating the exactly right area. I really wish I could have had an out of body experience to be able to watch what they were doing, and watch the equipment they were using so I could understand that all better. Once they had me all marked up they taped wires on the markings and little wire dots on the tattoos and sent me to CT. Actually it wasn't immediate, CT was backed up with emergency room jobs. So I waited with Preston for a little while in the waiting room.
CT Scan: When I got to the CT room I had the pleasure of seeing a familiar face. Gary Jensen's (a friend and member of our church family) daughter Pam was there. She usually works at the Dayton, WA hospital but has been training on the machines in the Walla Walla hospital. We gave each other a hug. Another one of God's blessings in my life. He has been so good to me!!
I was surprised how quick and efficient CT was. The gals there were great...once again getting me in the "just so" position and before I knew it I was done! We could go to lunch at Preston's new favorite lunch place, Italian Bistro.. that has an all you can eat buffet.
Physical Therapy: Monday I had a PT appointment. After I exercised at Curves I headed over to the hospital. Andrea is happy with the resolution of scar tissue and pronounced me ready to start radiation. She worked on range of motion on my right side, lymph node massage, and releasing muscle tension in my neck. Then it was 10.5 minutes of a stepper/bike kind of machine. She discussed with me the PT Dept.'s progress in understanding the Danish study that indicated 7 hours of week of exercise/massage/yoga which Dr. Quackenbush is so excited about. I am their test case, and they are still figuring out how to implement it. She said they should know more by Thursday's appointment.
Radiation Therapy: Doesn't that sound nice and soothing! Hah! While I was at PT Monday, Gayle at Radiation called, "We are ready to start therapy.... tomorrow, how about 7:30 AM. and that would be your appointed time for the duration, unless you want to shift to another time when it opened up, one opens up next week at 10:15 or 11:45" I am thinking , "Wow.... I don't like to get up in the morning. but it would be good to get it out of the way...hmmmm 7:30! The other option was 6:30 in the evening. That would impact my family more. So I took the 7:30 AM for this week at least and tentatively moved to the 11:45 because my twice a week PT is at 10:15 (most of the time) That way I can dovetail the appointments...I hope. I counted out the 37 days of "therapy" on the calender and it appears I will be done on December 23rd!
I went to my first "radiation therapy" today, they again did some measuring, marking, aligning, x-rays, photographs and pronounced "me" beautiful! (I thought that was an interesting word to use.) and then gave me my first treatment. Gayle told me that when I was getting dressed I should look in the mirror with my arms over my head. Everything inside the box would be the treatment area. I thought about taking a picture of it but then I thought .... who would I show it to? So I haven't ...(Aren't you glad I didn't post something like that! The stuff of nightmares! :)
I asked about whether or not they worked Veteran's Day, and they do... so I mentioned that I thought I might be done just before Christmas. Gayle told me not to make any definite travel plans for the holidays because if the machine breaks down or some other unforeseen glitch happens those therapy appts. will be added to the end... there is no getting out of them. She seems to be very businesslike and no nonsense. She also let me know that it was unacceptable to be a moment late. The schedule is tight, with the 'one and only' machine booked every 15 minutes from 7:00 in the morning to 7:00 at night (or something close to that). Be here early, waiting for your turn... ready to go!" I felt chastised. I shall be early tomorrow! I think I shall plan on reading my devotions in the waiting room. I don't want to be the cog that brings the whole system down.
I exercised on my way home, might as well make good use of the trip to town., and then I had the whole day ahead of me.
I am feeling pretty good, (I took a nap today) and I am thankful that I have been able to get some projects organized for next week when I won't feel so great. I have my final Chemo treatment on Friday.
Thank you again for your prayer, encouragement and assistance!
Last Thursday I had the prep work done for radiation. This involved high tech measuring and a CT Scan. I was told that after the team of 4 experts got together, reviewed my information and develop the treatment plan I would be called to make my first appointment. Yesterday, Monday, I got the call, and my first radiation appointment was scheduled for 7:30 this morning. The rest of the week my daily appointments will be at 7:30 Then next week they will be at 11:45 and it will continue to be such for the duration of the 37 treatments
Long Version:
At the appointment last Thursday, Preston and I met with Dr. Nigrin, she didn't tell us anything we didn't already know, except that they could start the radiation therapy as early as the next week. I reminded her that I had one more chemo treatment on the following Friday. She indicated that was no big deal, in many places treatments are done concurrently. She did say that there seemed to be a preference to do them consecutively here (she is relatively new to the area), but a little overlap will not be problematic at all. I am of the mind that "the sooner we start, the sooner we are done"..... so.... On With IT! :) Once they have the information from the Simulation and CT Scan four team members would meet (Dr. Nigrin, someone else who was an expert in machine settings and doses, and a team leader from the radiation therapist, and some other important person) and set up the treatment plan, then I would get a call and be told when my first treatment would be.
Simulation: During the SIM Preston sat in the Radiation Waiting area visiting with the people who were waiting for radiation treatments. The Simulation was a bit mysterious. They had me lay on a table that had lumps and bumps, and a contraption that held my head in a "just so" place and my arms and hands "just so" over my head. " tip your chin up...to the left just a bit.... now don't move or we will have to start all over! Don't talk unless you need too.... people always talk with their hands." Then the measuring, surveying, and marking began. It appeared to me they were using laser lights and cross hairs, and maybe even a tape measure to do all the marking... with a felt marker. They drew boxes and lines and I don' tknow what all on my right breast, then they marked 4 spots.... two on my chest mid line and one on each side of my body, I think at the bottom of my rib cage. These they tattooed. Yep, I have my first and only tattoos! Four little periods. My understanding is that these tattoos are used for the lining up everything each time to make sure they are radiating the exactly right area. I really wish I could have had an out of body experience to be able to watch what they were doing, and watch the equipment they were using so I could understand that all better. Once they had me all marked up they taped wires on the markings and little wire dots on the tattoos and sent me to CT. Actually it wasn't immediate, CT was backed up with emergency room jobs. So I waited with Preston for a little while in the waiting room.
CT Scan: When I got to the CT room I had the pleasure of seeing a familiar face. Gary Jensen's (a friend and member of our church family) daughter Pam was there. She usually works at the Dayton, WA hospital but has been training on the machines in the Walla Walla hospital. We gave each other a hug. Another one of God's blessings in my life. He has been so good to me!!
I was surprised how quick and efficient CT was. The gals there were great...once again getting me in the "just so" position and before I knew it I was done! We could go to lunch at Preston's new favorite lunch place, Italian Bistro.. that has an all you can eat buffet.
Physical Therapy: Monday I had a PT appointment. After I exercised at Curves I headed over to the hospital. Andrea is happy with the resolution of scar tissue and pronounced me ready to start radiation. She worked on range of motion on my right side, lymph node massage, and releasing muscle tension in my neck. Then it was 10.5 minutes of a stepper/bike kind of machine. She discussed with me the PT Dept.'s progress in understanding the Danish study that indicated 7 hours of week of exercise/massage/yoga which Dr. Quackenbush is so excited about. I am their test case, and they are still figuring out how to implement it. She said they should know more by Thursday's appointment.
Radiation Therapy: Doesn't that sound nice and soothing! Hah! While I was at PT Monday, Gayle at Radiation called, "We are ready to start therapy.... tomorrow, how about 7:30 AM. and that would be your appointed time for the duration, unless you want to shift to another time when it opened up, one opens up next week at 10:15 or 11:45" I am thinking , "Wow.... I don't like to get up in the morning. but it would be good to get it out of the way...hmmmm 7:30! The other option was 6:30 in the evening. That would impact my family more. So I took the 7:30 AM for this week at least and tentatively moved to the 11:45 because my twice a week PT is at 10:15 (most of the time) That way I can dovetail the appointments...I hope. I counted out the 37 days of "therapy" on the calender and it appears I will be done on December 23rd!
I went to my first "radiation therapy" today, they again did some measuring, marking, aligning, x-rays, photographs and pronounced "me" beautiful! (I thought that was an interesting word to use.) and then gave me my first treatment. Gayle told me that when I was getting dressed I should look in the mirror with my arms over my head. Everything inside the box would be the treatment area. I thought about taking a picture of it but then I thought .... who would I show it to? So I haven't ...(Aren't you glad I didn't post something like that! The stuff of nightmares! :)
I asked about whether or not they worked Veteran's Day, and they do... so I mentioned that I thought I might be done just before Christmas. Gayle told me not to make any definite travel plans for the holidays because if the machine breaks down or some other unforeseen glitch happens those therapy appts. will be added to the end... there is no getting out of them. She seems to be very businesslike and no nonsense. She also let me know that it was unacceptable to be a moment late. The schedule is tight, with the 'one and only' machine booked every 15 minutes from 7:00 in the morning to 7:00 at night (or something close to that). Be here early, waiting for your turn... ready to go!" I felt chastised. I shall be early tomorrow! I think I shall plan on reading my devotions in the waiting room. I don't want to be the cog that brings the whole system down.
I exercised on my way home, might as well make good use of the trip to town., and then I had the whole day ahead of me.
I am feeling pretty good, (I took a nap today) and I am thankful that I have been able to get some projects organized for next week when I won't feel so great. I have my final Chemo treatment on Friday.
Thank you again for your prayer, encouragement and assistance!
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