Sunday, March 10, 2013

Special Delivery!

Yesterday, Saturday Mom, Keith and I were watching TV about 5 is and there was a knock at the door. Keith answered and the person on the other side of the door says " Special Delivery!" I immediately recognized the voice. It was my sister from Utah Lisa and her daughter Lauria. Needless to say I was so surprised and it made me cry. Lauria is on spring break this week from college and today is her 21st birthday. She wanted to come for visit for spring break and her birthday.  What a wonderful surprise! I love having family around....sorry they couldn't all come, but it is wonderful to have Lisa and Lauria here.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

This Past Week

So I have finally decided to go out on disability. I emailed my Dr the necessary paper work a week ago Friday. I worked Monday and Tuesday. It was getting harder and harder to get up in the morning and to eat dinner at night. I had a Dr appointment on Wed morning and the paper work was ready for me. I went into work in the afternoon because I had a few things to clean up before going out on disability. It is amazing how the weight of the world is off my shoulders.

Thursday I had a treatment. Before they start the treatment they take your blood pressure and temperature. Apparently I had a slight temperature. The nurse didn't want to start the treatment with out consulting the Dr. She was with a patient so it took awhile. The Dr gave the ok to start the treatment. All went well.

The last two nights I've been awake till about 3 am.  I a little tired today but doing ok. Right now I have a good appetite which is a good thing since I've lost about 10lbs since January.  Looking forward to dinner tonight. Macaroni and Cheese...the kind mom makes via Keith.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Survived Work

So after being off work for 4 days and a weekend. I went to work today. Surprisingly enough I am not as pooped as I usually am on Monday. I still don't have a lot of energy but at least I survived today.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

A Very Interesting Week

I went to the lab at Kaiser on my way home from work on Tuesday evening to have a blood draw to see what would happen on Thursday. After I went to bed, before 7:00 a Dr called to let me know that my blood counts were very low. He asked if I had any bleeding if I did then I need to go right to emergency. He wanted me to have more blood drawn Wed morning. I got up and got ready for work. On my way to Kaiser my nose was bothering me so I was cleaning it out and there was some fresh blood, it wasn't a bloody nose but I wasn't sure if that is what was meant by bleeding. I decided to go ahead and check into emergency. They drew blood and did other tests. My Dr tried to call me a let me know that I didn't need more blood work. That we would not have chemo this week and I would have a transfusion. I was already in emergency. They gave me a blood transfusion and during that I got severe chills. They suspected I had an infection. So more blood tests. I was in emergency from 7:30 am till 11:00 pm, they then move me to the Cardiac floor. Thursday evening around 7:30 I was move to the Oncology floor and was there till Friday evening when I went home. I had 5 blood transfusions (the rest I handled ok), 3 platelet transfusions. On Friday morning my potasiam and magnisium were really low so I was given that. Also through out my stay I received antibiotics. Two student nurses came by my room asked me if they help me with a sponge bath or wash my hair. They washed my hair with a shampoo cap. It was very interesting. These nurses have only been in the program 4 weeks. I was their first sponge bath. It wasn't a full and complete one but enough of one so I hope they feel like they did something. So tomorrow is a blood test so we will see what comes next.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Yesterday!

So I did blood work on Tuesday in preparation for my treatment on Thursday. I received an email from my Dr telling me that my counts looked good except I was anemic  so I would need to have a blood transfusion. They called and scheduled it for 9:15. Traffic was terrible it took us a good 20 min to get onto 85 from Branham. We got on to 17 after the metering lights and 17 looked pretty heavy. We took San Tomas and traffic was not bad. We were about 25 minutes late. I finally got to my chair and the nurse tried to access the port. Could get fluid in but could not draw blood. They like to make sure it is flowing both ways. Not sure how many cc's of saline was pushed but it would not work. She decided to start an IV in my arm because the transfusion takes about 3 hours per unit and I need 2 units. The nurse checked the port a couple of more times. I don't remember what they called it but they were going to use some medication to get the blockage to breakup the clot but they did  not have to do that. So they did the chemo through the port. The chemo was only to take 30 mins or so.

I wanted to take something to the nurses who take care of me since it was Valentines Day yesterday. A friend who works a Pepperidge Farms offered to give me some of there Signature cookies to give to them. They are seasonal so they are no longer available right now. They were very well received (thanks Pat). One of Dr Jeske's patients was have a hard time yesterday very close to were I was sitting so she stopped by. She told me she thought she had seen everything that Pepperidge Farms sold and was thrilled to get the cookies. We talked a little about how I was doing and was thrilled that I was handling the treatment well. One of the things I have noticed that this past week my appetite has been better this week. Also usually I'm really tired on Monday, I think a lot of that has to do with change in schedule over the weekend. This week I was not as tired on Monday but as the week progressed I was getting more tired. I was not awake as late last night.

I want to wish you all a belated Happy Valentines Day!

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Long Night!

So far so good no reactions except Thursday night (actually Friday morning) I was awake till 5:00 am...the brain would not stop.

I went today to visit my good friends the Corcoran's this afternoon. They usually come over Sunday afternoons to visit but haven't been here for 2 weeks. I believe the kids have grown a foot each. They were very sneaky and washed me car it has needed it for several weeks. The kids were lobbying for Round Table pizza, I have been craving pizza. I was invited to stay for dinner. Some how in the conversation I was asked what my favorite fruit. I told them I had two, strawberries and cantaloupe. One of the kids said that they thought they had a cantaloupe. I thought no wrong time of year. Well they did have cantaloupe and it was good the pizza was good...It was a good meal, good company.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Yeah!!! No Reaction

So today was a treatment with the new chemo drug. My appointment was 2:00 this afternoon. The chemo was scheduled to take a 1/2 hour. The nurse set it up to take 45 min.  Apparently I now have a reputation. Several nurses checked on me. Not that this is the way I want people to be concerned about me but is nice. Ok Ok I'm sure you are waiting....so far so good. I DID NOT HAVE A REACTION TODAY!!!!!!!!  The nurse sent me home with some pre meds to help with the nause. It seems to take an hour to get the chemo started, she said the sooner the better to start the drug. So now we wait to see what side effects will occur.

Friday, February 1, 2013

What A Way To Finish January

So yesterday I had another attempt at Dioxil (how ever you spell it). They gave me a lot of pre drugs hydration and started the drip real slow, it went well, then they up it by 10 and then any other 10. I went to the restroom and noticed a little rash at my wrists when I got back to my chair it had spread. I showed my nurse and she decided it was a reaction and she stopped the chemo. They called my Dr and she said that this chemo would not work and they we needed to stop. She suggested we need to talk about what we would do next. She said we could meet a little later or another day. I said I was here and lets go ahead and do it today. So we are working down the treatments and the list is getting thinner. The next two possible are a chemo Topopain which is given weekly. Or a pill taken daily for two weeks on and two weeks off. I went ahead and opted for the weekly treatment. When they called to schedule the treatments will actually three weeks of treatment and one week off. I really like Dr Jeske she is so supportive spends time letting me talk.

Friday, January 25, 2013

So Yesterday Did Not Go So Well

So I was informed that on Thursday I would have to have a blood transfusion. They did not have an appointment for the amount of time needed so I might get one unit on Thursday then have to come back on Friday for the other unit. Each unit takes over 2 hours. Well when I got there yesterday there had been some cancellations which was nice for me but I feel bad for those who had to cancelled because they couldn't have the treatment they needed. The nurse decided to do the transfusion first and then the chemo. Since the transfusion takes so long there was a shift change. I really like Jinny my nurse (I often have a different one each time) she was my nurse when I reacted from the Carboplatin. Any way they started the Dixorcil (not sure of the spelling) and I started getting a little discomfort which felt like it was in my bones and the way it moved was like I was being scanned down my body. Then I started getting warm and itchy. I started getting hives. Oh I had already told my nurse Janet and she had stopped the chemo and gave me some Benyadrl and I got sleepy but I don't think, at least I don't remember going to sleep. I mentioned I needed a fan and my friend Lisa Zamora who came with me started to fan my. I also got hives in my mouth, my blood pressure dropped. Another nurse stayed and me and kept an eye on my vitals. Janet went and got Dr Jeske she came and talked to me. It was decided that I would get back to feeling normal and the chemo would be started over and slower. Well it was approaching 4:00 I didn't seem to come out of it as quickly as the last time. The infusion center closes at 8:30. So it was decided to send me home and get some strength up and try next week. I don't have a time scheduled yet because they need to have a longer appointment time. I decided to stay home today and rest but I doing ok. The chemo is actually a red color short of look like strawberry kool-aid. So keep your finger crossed, prayers coming and good thoughts.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

I Don't Have A Title

I really don't have anything new. I did get my approval for FMLA (intermittent disability leave) today. That is a relief. Since I was  paid two days short on my last paycheck my next one should be nice. Tonight will be an early night again.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Still Here

As you can see I haven't posted for a couple of days. All day Friday I didn't feel good. I came home and crawled into bed coat, shoes and all. Got up and changed into my night gown and didn't get up till Sat about 10 am. I have a friend who is a co-chair for the Almaden Relay for Life. They had their kick off meeting Sat. It was a nice event and I met some great people. When I got home Mom and Keith were both laying down so I went and laid down and was in bed till 10 this morning. I got up intending on going to church. I had to lay down about four times, I wasn't sure I would make it to church. Mom wasn't feeling well so I decided that I was going to rest today. I sure hope I feel better tomorrow.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Not Much Too Say

Today was a really long day. I didn't sleep well. But now I'm home with my jammies on relaxing, hoping for a better nights sleep.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Starting Over

This morning I went and saw my Dr. She showed me the PET scan. The lesion is a little bigger in my liver..not major growth but enough to be concerned. I will be starting a new type of chemo. It is called Doxorubicin. It has also been used for treating breast cancer. The treatment is going to be once a month. The side effects are the normal, nausea, possible hair loss, fatigue...you get the idea. The Dr was very positive. The drug can effect the heart so I had a MUGA test. They draw blood add a radioactive solution and then put in back in, hook you up to a monitor and you go in a not a tube but similar and has camera and takes pictures of your heart to test the left ventricle. I've heard from the Dr my heart is ok to do the chemo. The treatments will take 6 months. In three I will have another PET scan.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Not Such Good News

So as I have posted Saturday I had a PET scan. This morning the Dr called and said she got the results, which is why she was calling which means not such good news. She told me that the mass in my liver is a little larger and more active. She mentioned that we had discussed that Carbo was not my friend and the the Gensar was not able to do all the work. She was very positive and said we had options and that she would like to meet with me to discuss them. Her office called back a few minutes later and set up an appointment with me for tomorrow at 8:30. So by tomorrow evening we should know more. I could use a few extra prayers sent my way. My plan is to sleep well tonight and to see what tomorrow brings.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Lemon Earrings

Today was a good Sunday. Good church meetings. Was able talk to all the people I needed today. I was asked to sit on a board of review this afternoon. When a young man is ready to advance to a new rank in scouting they come before 2 or 3 adults and they are asked a few questions about their experiences during the current rank. There are also certain things that they need to do and Merit Badges that they need to have completed. I have been invited to sit on a few. It is a nice experience to see the young men grow and advance in scouting. It happened to be at the Corcoran's home. As I was getting to leave they handed me a little pink package. With in the paper was a pair of earrings that are lemons. I can't wait to wear them. I'm a little tired this evening. But all is good.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Almost Forgot

I've been sitting here updating files for our Scout Troop. I'm the advancement chairman. I was getting ready to turn of the computer when I realized that I hadn't posted to the blog today. Mom and I both needed to have blood work done (we had to fast 12 hours). Since I had scheduled the PET scan today and I have to fast for 6 hours we decided to do it today. When went to the lab walked in and they were on number 34, the numbers we pulled were 73 & 74. It took a good 30 minutes for our numbers came up. Then we headed to get the PET scan done. Each time I've gone things are done a little different but good improvements. Today they were playing some easy listening music which was very pleasant. I was telling the technician how much I enjoyed the music. It doesn't block out all the noise from the machine but it helps. He then offered me an apple or a cutie. So now we wait to see what the results are. Not sure I will hear before my doctors appointment on 1/31.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Little Sleep....Long Day

Last night seems to be consistent with most other nights after a chemo treatment. My brain would not turn off, usually about 3 I seem to go asleep. Last night or actually this morning it seems it was 4:30 or 5:00. I was surprised it wasn't that hard to get up, but is was a really long day. The highlight of the day was lunch. I have a couple of friends that used to work at ADP and have since retired. We still get together on Fridays for lunch. Today was the first time we had gotten together since I got sick in November. It was great to see them and catch up.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

So Today Went Well

I slept in and went to my treatment. I went prepared in case there was a repeat of last week, but all went well. I asked the nurse if Gensar had reactions very often. She said no not usually but if there is usually the blood pressure goes up but doesn't drop like mine did last week. I'm  a little tired this evening but not too bad.

Sorry I Didn't Post Yesterday

Well it did not take long to not keep a New Years resolution. I had planned on going to work before my chemo treatment since it wasn't till 10:15 (I start at 7:30) and then go back to work, bit as yesterday progressed I was getting very tired so I decided to take an FMLA day (like a sick day but it is not counted as a sick day it is a type of disability). I came home and went in an laid down and didn't really move, after awhile I put on my nightgown and went to bed.


Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Well It Is Time To Wait

Two days before I have a treatment I have to have my blood tested. I'm scheduled for a treatment Thursday so on my way home tonight I stopped at Kaiser to have blood drawn. So now we wait to see if my counts are good enough to go ahead with chemo on Thursday. I'm feeling pretty good. Do get a little tired but nothing like last year. I am so grateful for the blessings that the Lord gives to me. I am sure that I don't even know half of what he blesses me with.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Nothing Exciting


Nothing really exciting to share today. You can tell that the holidays are over. Traffic heavy, I could get a hold of clients. This is getting into the busy time for my company. I work for a payroll company called ADP. I will have been with ADP 30 years in September. I started there right after my mission. We coming into the time for creation of W-2's and the billing for them. So when most companies are have closed their books and are starting with clean slates, we at ADP are just getting into our crazy time. This is actually my first real year end with the job I currently have. I was out on disability last year so I know it is going to be an interesting ride. I just need to remember "this too will pass". At least until next year.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Good Sabbath

One thing that changes at the first of the year is the time of our church meetings. We have two wards in our building so we either attend church at 9:30 or 11:30. Starting today our meetings begin at 11:30 which is really great for me (at least right now) It gives me time to get up and ready. Saying this makes me sound really lazy but not having to get up till 10:00 I was able to make it to church, by 2:30 I was fading but it had been a few weeks since I'd attended it was wonderful to be there. I do love associating with those wonderful members of  my ward and even those who come to visit. I was able to meet a young lady from Germany who was visiting today. What a joy she was!

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Greatful For Others

Today is Saturday. Very lazy day. One of the issues I've been having with the chemo treatments is I seem to be anemic. I asked a few people at work about protein drinks. A good friend Gaynor suggested a brand to try. She told me it was sold at Target and Trader Joe's. It has several flavors, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cookies and cream, banana, mint chocolate chip. I had found chocolate and vanilla at Trader Joe's. I thought I would see if Target had some of the other flavors. I couldn't find it there. So back to Trader Joe's. I took a can to show my Dr on Thursday and see what she thought of it. She said it is a good supplement.

As you can see the title of this post doesn't really have anything to do with the above comments. So here we go. I have a former missionary companion who I have been able to reconnect with through Facebook. When I shared with her that I had started my blog and the address she posted it. A couple of her friends wanted to contact me and offer their support. What a wonderful feeling to know that those who you do not know you care enough to offer support and encouragement and offer to help in any way they can. Thanks Elisabeth!

Friday, January 4, 2013

I Could Not Stop Eating Today

Today was a really good day (well work was rough but at this time of year that is a given) I felt great and had lots of energy. I'm sure it won't last long. I also had an appetite that would not quit.

Kaiser called to set up a PET scan. That is where they inject a radioactive sugar solution into you and then you have to lay quite in the dark for an hour. The solution is supposed to head to where the cancer is, then you go into the tube and they take pictures looking for how active and where the cancer is. This will be my fourth. No problem!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

It Was A Long And Interesting Day

So I left the house at a little after 8:00 this morning after not sleeping well. Got there in a half an hour (I never know what traffic will be like) Had my appointment with Dr Jeske. My CA-125 count is down to 20. Needs to be in the low teens. I'm almost half way though my treatments. Today was #3. So if all goes well sometime in March I should be done.

Then I went to have my chemo. Today was to be Gensar and Carboplatin (not sure of the exact spellings) Gensar went well and then about 15 min into the Carbo. I started feeling funny, got real warm, flashes, and real antsy. My nurse was sitting a little ways from me. I told her I didn't feel good. She came over and stopped the Carbo. The next thing I remember was feeling about 5 or 6 people around me. Someone was holding my hand and patting it, they were taking my blood pressure. Dr Jeske was there. They asked my name and date and other questions. They put in another IV to pump in fluids. I was finally able to open my eyes. Things went back to normal. My nurse told me latter that she was very close to calling a code blue. I guess I scared her. Looking back I guess it should scare me but I don't really remember it so not too scared. Dr Jeske said maybe the carbo is not so good for me but I guess it is a drug that has success with the cancer treatment.

When all that was done the I got 2 units of blood. That went fine but did not get home till after 5:00. So it was a long day.



Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Tomorrow Will Be A Loooooong Day!

When I got home from work today Keith told me that Kaiser had called. I had blood work done Monday in preparation for my chemo treatment tomorrow. Apparently I'm anemic. So at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow I have a Dr's appointment, I will have chemo (it is the first of the cycle). It will include 2 drugs and will also have a blood transfusion. So instead of being done around noon I won't be done till around 3:00.

At least it seems I will not have to delay the treatment another week.

I will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

One nice thing at least my car windows should be covered with ice when I leave tomorrow!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Year's Resolution

Happy New Year! 

I don't usually make New Year Resolutions. 2013 is different. My plan is to start updating my blog more regularly. We see how that goes. Yesterday my sister Merri Lea, her husband Rich, their children Ella, Bryan and Rikki and her husband Robert stopped by for a visit. I had to work so I didn't get to spend as much time with them but what I did get to spend with them was great. Rikki mentioned I hadn't written since May. I told no I had written once since then. I decided that I was going to really write more often.

So Happy New Year to all!