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!