Not Such Good News

Early November I was sick on and off for a week. As the week progressed I wasn't getting any better. I thought I had the flu. I emailed my oncologist and general practitioner and told them that I wasn't getting better...did they have any suggestions. I was told to go and have blood work done. On Tuesday I heard from my doctors. I was severally dehydrated. Also my oncologist-Dr Jeske said that my CA-125 was slightly elevated. My GP wanted me to go to emergency and to get hydrated. While I was there they wanted me to also have a PET scan. They kept me over night. I had the PET scan and it was discovered that the cancer is active again in the liver, a mass in my pelvic, and in some lymph nodes. I was sent home and told that Dr Jeske would set up an appointment. On Thursday I saw Dr Jeske, she was very positive and said we have lots of options. That we would state Chemo again. I told her that mom and I are going to to Utah from Dec 1-8 to meet my great niece. I was a little worried how I would handle the chemo. Dr Jeske said we could wait till we got back. Mom said no we need to start right away.  It was decided that I would have a treatment before we left and then start up when I got back. I asked her about the CA-125. It was up to 39 the range is 0-35, she did say that wasn't that high, but in Oct is was 13 and had jumped up to 39 which was a concern.

On Monday Nov 19th at about 9:45 am I looked at my cell phone and saw a text from Kaiser that I had an appointment at 10:15 for a chemo treatment. There was not way that I could get there in a half an hour. I quickly called and they rescheduled for 2:00 that afternoon. I went and it went well. I actually felt better the next day.

So here I am again going through chemo.

Good News

This week I had an appointment to have some blood drawn and tested. I heard the results from Dr Jeske (YES she is back!) My CA-125( that is the test for the rate of cancer) was a TWELVE!!!! The range they want it at is between 0-35.  I guess all the exhaustion was worth it. Well tomorrow is another Relay For Life for the American Cancer Society.

Relay For Life

Several months ago I was asked by two friends to participate in two different American Cancer Society Relays for Life (this week I was asked to participate in another) plus to send a picture of my self to my cousin Karen Ellington to display at the Hilmar Relay for life. (Sorry Karen I messed up on the picture).
Yesterday was the first one that was asked to participate in. It was held at Union Middle School. As we gathered for the opening ceremonies. I notice a luminary with a familiar name of Martha Hall. I knew she was going through chemo. I looked a little to my right and there was Martha. She spotted me and I went over to her and we visited a little bit. They start the relay by inviting all cancer survives to walk a lap the track, then they ask the caregivers to walk a lap. As I was walking the survivor lap I saw a good friend from work Shaun Kershman. I had forgotten that he lives in the area.
One of the other things that happens during the walk is the luminary lap. One of the ways to support the walk is to purchase a luminary in someones honor. They use white bags with sand to weight them down. Everyone gathers and quietly walks around the track and as they walk someone drops in large glow sticks that light the luminary. I joined the end of the group and looked at the luminary. It is quite sobering to see all the people that have been touched by cancer.
I'm not sure what I was expecting the cancer walk to be like but it was a wonderful experience. I so appreciate the honor to go and witness and participate in it. There is sadness at the loss. Joy at survival and even bonding and friendship made. I met several people who knew my doctors and was able to discuss our experiences with cancer. It had a very festive feel also. I would invite any of you who would like to experience some of this that I have shared with you to go to Leland High School next weekend. It starts at 10:00 am Saturday and goes to 10:00 am Sunday. There will also be booths that will sell food and other things if you would like. I am looking forward to next weekend. Come join us.

The First Week Is Over

Last Monday was my first day back to work since October 26th of last year. Monday was pretty rough but it got easier as the week progressed. It was fun trying to log on since all the passwords had expired.

Yesterday was the Ward Easter Celebration at a park. It was a fun event and a lot of people came. It was interesting when it started. Not all the food was there when it started and there was some concern there would be enough. When I finally got in line to get my food, some were going for seconds there was enough for me to serve myself.  It was a modern loaves and fishes miracle. It was so nice to be able to feel up to going yesterday.

I Have Survived Two Days

This past weekend was the churches semi-annual conference. It does happen to be 2 days but conference is not something you have to survive. It was a wonderful conference. In October I felt that so many messages were just for me. This one I felt had important messages to me also but not as many of them were as specific as the October talks.

The title refers to the fact that I returned to work yesterday and I actually survived and I went back today. Although it was a lot harder getting up this morning then yesterday. I received lots of hugs and welcome backs yesterday it was so nice and appreciated.

While I was at work the cinnamon roll fairy came by and made a delivery (thanks Nancy Jensen)

This Week Has Been A Bummer

I've been trying to walk daily to get my stamina built up. My goal was to walk twice a day but I didn't make it this week week. I was looking forward to  going to see Leigh High Schools production of Fiddler On The Roof and to the Relief Society's Anniversary celebration.

Last week mom had a head cold and then this week it went into her chest.

Thursday I went to visit my friend Daisy and her mom Sascha. I was able to help Sascha with a project the she was working for Leitz Elementary school. It felt good to help. Well I got mom's chest cold. So needless to say we did not go and see Jeremy. Mom's boy by another mother. I also did not feel up to going to the Relief Society celebration. I actually spent Saturday in bed. I'm feeling better but not back to where I was before I got seek Thursday.

Another Early Call

This morning before 8:00 Dr Song called. Apparently my counts from the blood test Tuesday were low. She called to tell me that rather then postpone the treatment another week that last weeks treatment would be my last. She restated that the PET/CT scan was so good and my CA-125 count was so good that she did not see a reason to do the last treatment. Of course it was my choice. I agreed with her. So now I will have my port flushed every three weeks and regular blood tests. So........

I AM FINISHED WITH CHEMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been so blessed and I am so grateful for the blessings I have received!!