I am SO happy to be done with chemotherapy! Last week was the 12th Taxol infusion, and it's nice to not have to think about going in today for the afternoon!
In fact, today, Bill and I are going to follow Ben to JSU and help him set up his dorm room. Ben has band camp starting tonight. He's had a great summer, culminating in the past 2 weeks working with the drumlines at Spain Park High School and Vestavia High School (and the weeks before then at Ohatchee High School). He had great experiences, and enjoyed his time a LOT! He had really long days (7:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day), and NEVER complained. Good to know that he is in the right program at school!
Caden started 4th grade at Avondale Elementary last week, and is doing very well. Of course we are biased, but we truly think he's a remarkable 10 year old! Very wise for his age and aware/caring of others. Rachel is a great mom.
On Tuesday, Bill and I went to see Dr. Nabell for a discussion about next steps.
Current side effects - Dr. Nabell said that most of the side effects will dissipate between 3-6 months. She said my energy level will get better each week that I'm off chemo (thank goodness!). I currently have numbness in my fingers and toes and am starting B6 vitamins today, which she said might help get over that quicker. I have an appointment with a UAB podiatrist on Monday, because I smashed my big toe when we were in Kentucky. The chemo's effect on hair and quick growing cells also affects nail beds, so about half of my fingernails are brown and ridged (and basically dead but she said that the new growth will just push the dead part on out). So my toenails are the same, and when I smashed the toe, the nail has pulled up. I started my second antibiotic for it, but it's going to have to come off. She said the nail WOULD grow back, but it will take a year probably. I won't really know anymore til Monday. YUCK!!
After meeting with Dr. Grotting last week (plastic surgeon who worked with Dr. Urist on my first go-round), I learned that he is not doing that surgery any more, but his associate is. That helped me know that I would go ahead and use the Kirklin doctors rather than go with someone else outside Kirklin if it can't be Dr. Grotting. He said that he would not use saline, but would use tissue for a better match. However, he also agreed that if the surgery wasn't necessary, to really think it through, as it would add a 6 week recovery time.
So it was good to get that information, but it basically helped us confirm that surgery is not the direction I want to take at this time.
Concern about radiation is lymph-edema possibilities. Even with surgery, Dr. Nabell recommended radiation for the axcillary area in the soft tissue area under the armpit (lymph node area). Without surgery, she would add an area in the breast tissue. The chance of lymph-edema doesn't change with adding the second site. The other "risk" with radiation is skin toxicity, which they will visually check for each visit.
The radiation oncologist will be calling me to set up our first appointment time. Dr. Nabell said they would negotiate with me re: daily times so that I can have as regular a schedule as possible. She said they like to wait about 2 weeks before starting the radiation to let me have some recovery from the chemo. I'll be going to the Acton Road Kirklin Clinic for the treatments, as it's much more convenient and much closer than going to the Kirklin clinic downtown. After the first couple of appointments, I should be able to get in and out in about 30 minutes.
Regarding scans, etc., Dr. Nabell said she knew this sounded kind of harsh, but that their research from cancer patients around the country has shown that scans do often find cancer issues several weeks in advance of other symptoms coming up, but that the outcomes of having the scans vs. symptoms appearing are not differentiated. The risks from the additional radiation from the scans offset the benefits of finding the cancer a bit earlier. However, she did say that I could talk with them if I felt that I need a scan or had major concerns at some point. What I will be looking for is any symptom that doesn't fit (with me knowing that I have a cold, flu, etc.) and that doesn't go away in 2 weeks.
So right now, I have a podiatrist appointment scheduled, will schedule an appointment probably next week with the radiologist, and then have an appointment with Dr. Nabell in 2 months. I feel really good about the level and quality of care that I'm receiving, and Bill and I feel that we're on the right course of treatment.
Grateful for so much. As I wrote a while back, there are so many people in my circle who have experienced so much tragedy or heartache in the last few months. Life or quality of life is not certain. I wish I had some kind of wise word to give, but I'm just not there yet. I would say to hug your people every day and tell them you love them.
Love you all!
Denise
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Side Effects, Version 2.0
This past week, I completed round 6 out of 12 Taxol infusions! That is definitely cause for some joy!
I had figured that after 4 rounds I knew what the side effects were, and really, they were pretty minimal compared to the original drugs. But after week 5, I started having some side effects that I hadn't experienced before...extreme fatigue, feeling like I was catching the flu. From last Saturday through Tuesday, I was definitely not myself.
Going into the clinic on Wednesday, I was able to ask the nurse (thank God for nurses!!) what might be happening with me. As soon as I started describing my bones hurting, she nodded and told me that Neulasta was one of the meds I get each week. She described some effects of it, and it was exactly what I was experiencing.
What is Neulasta, you ask? I'm so glad you asked. I looked it up on my iPad while hooked up!
Neulasta helps stimulate white blood cells, which help to fight off infections. White blood cells are connected to bone marrow, so the deep bone pain I felt was real and caused by the extra production.
Other side effects I've had make you feel like you're getting the flu, chills, cough, fever, etc.
While the effects aren't fun, it is a relief to know that the pains are associated with SOMETHING and not NOTHING. Having the information is better than not knowing. Activity and rest interspersed, and Tylenol/Ibuprofen spread out are the best bets for dealing with the effects.
So I had a pretty good rest of the week, and started getting very tired last night. This morning I'm up AND in my comfy chair, and will try to keep ahead of the worst of the pain. I'm lucky I can 'chill out' on Saturday and Sunday, and ;that my family is supportive and helpful.
During treatments, I find that I love listening to my music to zone out. This past Wednesday, I enjoyed my Pink jams. I don't know if I should be embarrassed by admitting I love Pink's music (when I told Ben I liked Nickelback, he told me something like I should never admit that to anyone), but I really do. As a piece of advice if you don't know her and want to check her out, there are explicit versions and cleaned-up versions (she sings a lot of party and emotional songs).
A couple songs this past week made an impact on me while listening for whatever reason, and I thought I'd share them:
The Great Escape
Beam Me Up
This weekend, my mom, sister and brother-in-law are in Indiana for a family wedding with the cousins. If you're a basketball fan, then you'll know how excited my sister was to find she only comes up to Cody Zeller's waist, and that my mom was thrilled to have her picture taken with Victor Oladipo (and get his autograph). Congratulations to Jordan and Aubrey!
Caden is coming over in a bit, and Bill and Ben are taking him to McWane Science Center to hang out. If I feel up to it, I'll meet them for lunch later.
We're looking forward to our July 4th family gathering in Dalton at dad's house. Ben may be getting the fireworks this weekend for that event!
Thanks for your continued love and support! I love you all!
Denise
I had figured that after 4 rounds I knew what the side effects were, and really, they were pretty minimal compared to the original drugs. But after week 5, I started having some side effects that I hadn't experienced before...extreme fatigue, feeling like I was catching the flu. From last Saturday through Tuesday, I was definitely not myself.
Going into the clinic on Wednesday, I was able to ask the nurse (thank God for nurses!!) what might be happening with me. As soon as I started describing my bones hurting, she nodded and told me that Neulasta was one of the meds I get each week. She described some effects of it, and it was exactly what I was experiencing.
What is Neulasta, you ask? I'm so glad you asked. I looked it up on my iPad while hooked up!
Neulasta helps stimulate white blood cells, which help to fight off infections. White blood cells are connected to bone marrow, so the deep bone pain I felt was real and caused by the extra production.
Other side effects I've had make you feel like you're getting the flu, chills, cough, fever, etc.
While the effects aren't fun, it is a relief to know that the pains are associated with SOMETHING and not NOTHING. Having the information is better than not knowing. Activity and rest interspersed, and Tylenol/Ibuprofen spread out are the best bets for dealing with the effects.
So I had a pretty good rest of the week, and started getting very tired last night. This morning I'm up AND in my comfy chair, and will try to keep ahead of the worst of the pain. I'm lucky I can 'chill out' on Saturday and Sunday, and ;that my family is supportive and helpful.
During treatments, I find that I love listening to my music to zone out. This past Wednesday, I enjoyed my Pink jams. I don't know if I should be embarrassed by admitting I love Pink's music (when I told Ben I liked Nickelback, he told me something like I should never admit that to anyone), but I really do. As a piece of advice if you don't know her and want to check her out, there are explicit versions and cleaned-up versions (she sings a lot of party and emotional songs).
A couple songs this past week made an impact on me while listening for whatever reason, and I thought I'd share them:
The Great Escape
Beam Me Up
This weekend, my mom, sister and brother-in-law are in Indiana for a family wedding with the cousins. If you're a basketball fan, then you'll know how excited my sister was to find she only comes up to Cody Zeller's waist, and that my mom was thrilled to have her picture taken with Victor Oladipo (and get his autograph). Congratulations to Jordan and Aubrey!
Caden is coming over in a bit, and Bill and Ben are taking him to McWane Science Center to hang out. If I feel up to it, I'll meet them for lunch later.
We're looking forward to our July 4th family gathering in Dalton at dad's house. Ben may be getting the fireworks this weekend for that event!
Thanks for your continued love and support! I love you all!
Denise
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Check In!
Hi everybody! I am so happy to say that I've just finished my 4th weekly Taxol infusion yesterday! Woohoo! 8 more to go!
Side effects:
1. Fatigue/energy level issues but not near as bad as before
2. Still some brain fog, but from what I understand that will continue for quite a while. I mostly 'feel' it when I'm trying to come up with something quickly!
3. Somehow these treatments act like a diuretic on the evenings of the infusion...THANK GOODNESS that doesn't last past the evening, but it's a definite issue! (think of a pregnant lady - Zoe! - and those feelings! Nuff said).
By the way, the folks at the Acton Road Kirklin Clinic don't have a problem with someone sitting with me during the treatment. So, if you've ever wanted to see what it's like to be in an infusion center, let me know and you could come visit! Depending on what's happening or any emergencies, I'm usually in there for about 3 hours. Ben has come in the last couple of weeks to bring me a sandwich and sit with me for 30 minutes or so. That's a pretty good model. I get a liquid dose of Benadryl in the IV after the premeds, so that knocks me out in the last hour or so. SO, if you're interested, let me know and we'll talk about timing!
Timing was really good for me to get started back to work this past Monday. Everyone at church has been SO LOVELY and compassionate. It's been great to be around people, and I know for sure that I really love the 'business' of service.
Bill has recovered well from his gallbladder surgery. He's had his follow up appointment, and all looks good. The symphony completed their 2014-2015 season this past weekend. That means he's able to concentrate on his personnel management solely, although he continues to practice to keep his skills up. It's nice to have him around a bit more, especially in the evenings!
This week, Ben is working with the Berry Middle School drum line band students at Spain Park High School. He's very happy that he's seen progress this week. Rachel continues to work hard, and Caden is going to the Jewish Community Center summer program.
Bill and I had two weekends 'away' with the first being the Lake Guntersville cabin with Caden. Bill and Caden fished, and Caden loved playing on the beach. Then, Bill and I went to Montgomery for the Memorial Day weekend. We visited the Archives and History museum....if you're interested in that kind of stuff, there's a brand new museum that takes up the entire 2nd floor, with a long history of Alabama from way past to present. It's really well done.
We also went to Old Cahawba Town which is just south of Selma. In the early 1800's it was the first state capitol,, located at the crux of the Alabama and Cahaba rivers. It basically became a ghost town after the civil war, and there are remnants of the old town including two cemeteries. It's an open park now with some reconstruction/renovations. It was a great trip although it started raining on us and I ended up putting the car in a ditch which required AAA to pull us out (but that's a long story and you don't really need to hear the details - ha!!).
After starting to starve, we drove back into Selma and realized that basically all of the sit down and be served restaurants are closed on Sundays! News flash, Selma....people visit places on the weekend and like to eat at places NOT fast food!
At any rate, we then started at the Edmund Pettis Bridge and drove back to Montgomery while stopping at historical signs where the marchers stopped. Unfortunately, (listen up Selma), even on a Sunday the Interpretive Centers were closed, but we still stopped and looked in the windows. It was a great day. Trail Website
Other updates:
We met with surgeon Dr. Urist at Kirklin. We have realized that he was my surgeon 20 years ago for my mastectomy. He worked with Dr. Grotting who was my plastic surgeon. There are absolutely no decisions made, only things for us to consider:
1. There appears to be no true medical necessity for me to have another mastectomy. He said that in situations similar to mine, research shows no better outcome with or without surgery, but that women's personal preferences tend to dictate their end choices.
2. If I opt for a mastectomy during my treatment plan, I would need to have it scheduled after chemo but before radiation. I would then need to wait 4-6 weeks before radiation starts. I asked about having the surgery after radiation, and I would need to wait somewhere like a year for the skin, etc, to heal.
3. Plastic surgery options vary. Because Dr. Grotting continues to do surgeries at Highlands Hospital (still a part of UAB system), and Dr. Urist would work with him again, it was suggested that I call Dr. Grotting for a discussion of options.
I know there are many thoughts out there (and in my head) that says, sure just take it off and then you don't have to worry. However, Dr. Urist said that any concerns about future cancer is that with or without surgery, cancer possibly could grow in other locations (that is not specific about me, but a generalization). So, diligence in future check-ups is necessary no matter what. Depending on what my plastic surgery options might be, I know there is a lot of recovery and possibly a two or three step process that increases the recovery time. So lots to think about. There is also nothing to prevent me from waiting and having surgery in the next year or so. It's actually a good thing not to feel rushed in making this decision and allowing myself to understand or feel any anxiety levels I may or may not have following treatment.
There have been so many recent medical traumas and issues with people in my realm of friendships, that we feel incredibly lucky, blessed, and loved. Our thoughts and prayers and love go to those people who are dealing with new or recurring crap; our empathy levels are very high.
Love you all! We continue to be grateful on all accounts. Phone calls, texts, lunches, FB messages, dinners brought, cards, prayers..it's all been amazing and we feel the love.
Denise
Side effects:
1. Fatigue/energy level issues but not near as bad as before
2. Still some brain fog, but from what I understand that will continue for quite a while. I mostly 'feel' it when I'm trying to come up with something quickly!
3. Somehow these treatments act like a diuretic on the evenings of the infusion...THANK GOODNESS that doesn't last past the evening, but it's a definite issue! (think of a pregnant lady - Zoe! - and those feelings! Nuff said).
By the way, the folks at the Acton Road Kirklin Clinic don't have a problem with someone sitting with me during the treatment. So, if you've ever wanted to see what it's like to be in an infusion center, let me know and you could come visit! Depending on what's happening or any emergencies, I'm usually in there for about 3 hours. Ben has come in the last couple of weeks to bring me a sandwich and sit with me for 30 minutes or so. That's a pretty good model. I get a liquid dose of Benadryl in the IV after the premeds, so that knocks me out in the last hour or so. SO, if you're interested, let me know and we'll talk about timing!
Timing was really good for me to get started back to work this past Monday. Everyone at church has been SO LOVELY and compassionate. It's been great to be around people, and I know for sure that I really love the 'business' of service.
Bill has recovered well from his gallbladder surgery. He's had his follow up appointment, and all looks good. The symphony completed their 2014-2015 season this past weekend. That means he's able to concentrate on his personnel management solely, although he continues to practice to keep his skills up. It's nice to have him around a bit more, especially in the evenings!
This week, Ben is working with the Berry Middle School drum line band students at Spain Park High School. He's very happy that he's seen progress this week. Rachel continues to work hard, and Caden is going to the Jewish Community Center summer program.
Bill and I had two weekends 'away' with the first being the Lake Guntersville cabin with Caden. Bill and Caden fished, and Caden loved playing on the beach. Then, Bill and I went to Montgomery for the Memorial Day weekend. We visited the Archives and History museum....if you're interested in that kind of stuff, there's a brand new museum that takes up the entire 2nd floor, with a long history of Alabama from way past to present. It's really well done.
We also went to Old Cahawba Town which is just south of Selma. In the early 1800's it was the first state capitol,, located at the crux of the Alabama and Cahaba rivers. It basically became a ghost town after the civil war, and there are remnants of the old town including two cemeteries. It's an open park now with some reconstruction/renovations. It was a great trip although it started raining on us and I ended up putting the car in a ditch which required AAA to pull us out (but that's a long story and you don't really need to hear the details - ha!!).
After starting to starve, we drove back into Selma and realized that basically all of the sit down and be served restaurants are closed on Sundays! News flash, Selma....people visit places on the weekend and like to eat at places NOT fast food!
At any rate, we then started at the Edmund Pettis Bridge and drove back to Montgomery while stopping at historical signs where the marchers stopped. Unfortunately, (listen up Selma), even on a Sunday the Interpretive Centers were closed, but we still stopped and looked in the windows. It was a great day. Trail Website
Other updates:
We met with surgeon Dr. Urist at Kirklin. We have realized that he was my surgeon 20 years ago for my mastectomy. He worked with Dr. Grotting who was my plastic surgeon. There are absolutely no decisions made, only things for us to consider:
1. There appears to be no true medical necessity for me to have another mastectomy. He said that in situations similar to mine, research shows no better outcome with or without surgery, but that women's personal preferences tend to dictate their end choices.
2. If I opt for a mastectomy during my treatment plan, I would need to have it scheduled after chemo but before radiation. I would then need to wait 4-6 weeks before radiation starts. I asked about having the surgery after radiation, and I would need to wait somewhere like a year for the skin, etc, to heal.
3. Plastic surgery options vary. Because Dr. Grotting continues to do surgeries at Highlands Hospital (still a part of UAB system), and Dr. Urist would work with him again, it was suggested that I call Dr. Grotting for a discussion of options.
I know there are many thoughts out there (and in my head) that says, sure just take it off and then you don't have to worry. However, Dr. Urist said that any concerns about future cancer is that with or without surgery, cancer possibly could grow in other locations (that is not specific about me, but a generalization). So, diligence in future check-ups is necessary no matter what. Depending on what my plastic surgery options might be, I know there is a lot of recovery and possibly a two or three step process that increases the recovery time. So lots to think about. There is also nothing to prevent me from waiting and having surgery in the next year or so. It's actually a good thing not to feel rushed in making this decision and allowing myself to understand or feel any anxiety levels I may or may not have following treatment.
There have been so many recent medical traumas and issues with people in my realm of friendships, that we feel incredibly lucky, blessed, and loved. Our thoughts and prayers and love go to those people who are dealing with new or recurring crap; our empathy levels are very high.
Love you all! We continue to be grateful on all accounts. Phone calls, texts, lunches, FB messages, dinners brought, cards, prayers..it's all been amazing and we feel the love.
Denise
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Last of the red devil, gallbladders, Mother's Day and more...
So sorry it's been so long again since I've fully communicated about what's been happening!
Going back to the first of my last two visits with Dr. Nabell...my heart had been racing in my chest, even when I was just sitting down. She had prescribed the Verapamil which immediately helped. I had the echocardiogram, and then met with a cardiologist for an ekg and to go over both. Fortunately, my heart functions all look good. He said I have mild hypertension and that the meds should be continued. The doc is located at a UAB/Kirklin center located in Vestavia! I have driven past it several times and didn't really notice it was there.
At the LAST Dr. Nabell appointment, we discussed the visit with the cardiologist, and also discussed having my last 12 treatments at the Vestavia center. She agreed with that. That is for the weekly taxol treatments. Those are going to be scheduled for Wednesdays, and will last about 2 hours each. She said (and the nurse later also said) that many people are able to work the next day. I'm very grateful I will have will a couple of weeks of those treatments before I go back to work on June 8.
The news that has taken me the longest to digest is that she feels I need 6 weeks of daily radiation (Monday-Fridays) following the treatments, regardless of whether I have surgery or not. She said that because the margins were not differentiated (I may be saying that wrong), that the radiation will make sure that the area is covered. She is setting up an appointment with a surgeon at UAB for me to discuss surgical options, and that appointment should be in the next month or so. I am not sure whether or not the surgery would potentially come first and then radiation, or vice versa, so I will have additional questions to ask as I meet with the surgeon and Dr. Nabell. Interestingly, the Vestavia Kirklin center is the only place that the radiation is done, so at least it will be close by also. Those treatments will take under an hour each (about 30-40 minutes). I will check out that office/location when I go for the weekly treatments.
Right after the last blog post, I started having issues with my eyes...lots of watering and some itching. The nurse was very responsive and said that it was a side effect of chemo, but if the itching continued or got 'gritty' to call an ophthalmologist. By that Monday morning, my eyes were red and very gritty feeling, so I called a local UAB ophthalmology office here in Vestavia. They told me to come in by 10:15 (they specialize in glaucoma but are suited to meet any ophthalmology needs). I got in and was fully screened and checked. He told me I still have 20/20 vision (or so) long-distance and that my eyes were the best he had seen all morning! BUT the side-effects of chemo were definitely causing my eye issues (in addition to being a woman over the age of 40!). So now I'm putting in Systane Balance eye drops as often as I can during the day (recommended 8-10 times), and taking 2000 mg of fish oil each day. The eye drops have really helped but I find I do have to put them in every hour-hour and a half.
Then came my last infusion of the first set of cocktails. So grateful to have that over but I'm still dealing with the aftermath. Even thinking about the infusion makes me feel ill. Grateful to have Mary and MJ Aiken walk over from Children's to hang out with me for a bit. I finally asked the nurse why they wear gloves and gown while giving the 'red devil' chemo part, and she said that it's very toxic and that she has accidentally gotten some on her skin and has scars as a result. Okay, that's enough of that!
Rachel's Steven came by on Friday morning to take Bill to UAB for his gall bladder surgery, scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Surgery went well and pretty easily from what I've been told. The day took longer than expected because he experienced some nausea and then had to be given IV fluids to help him go to the bathroom! Steven was a trooper, as Bill didn't get home til around 4:00. Bill rested well, and managed the pain pretty well, even with soreness. In fact, yesterday (Wednesday), he went into work and worked most of the day! The 'scar' looks really good...right in the center of his belly button!
We didn't announce this when I learned about it, because we weren't sure how Saturday was going to go (3 days after my infusion and the day after Bill's surgery), but I was notified at the beginning of the week that I had won a contest through Silvertron Restaurant (in Avondale)! It was for a pick up and car ride in a classic vehicle and then ride back home. We went ahead and said YES because we were hopeful in getting out for a wonderful Mother's Day brunch! Ben was out of town, so couldn't join us, and Rachel was working in the morning but joined us at the restaurant. Cathy and Bob Corley were able to come to our house for the experience and brunch! Yes, we got up and by 11:00 the "Elizabeth," a 1956 white Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud pulled up in front of our house. Matt, our driver, couldn't have been more gracious. We piled in and drove to Silvertron. I resisted the urge to roll down the window and wave like the queen to the neighbors.
We had a wonderful brunch with Rachel and Caden, Bob and Cathy, and us. Marco (the owner) greeted us at the curb with a special parking space and we were seated by the front window. We shared a pitcher of strawberry-basil mimosas (DELICIOUS!) and amazing brunch meals. Caden was able to squeeze in the Rolls to ride back to the house with us. A fun time. We were ready to nap and relax when we got back but we were able to do that! So fun.
On Sunday (actual Mother's Day), I was surprised with a wonderful flower container of flowers that attract hummingbirds (from both kids and Bill). Ben brought me some cupcakes from his favorite baker in Jacksonville, and Molly Jo brought me some potted flowers as well. Ben made french toast breakfast. Lovely.
Yesterday, I felt better mentally and emotionally but was worn out as soon as I got up to do anything. Today is better with my energy, so I'm happy about that. Tonight is another part of my Mother's Day! Ben and MJ got her mother and me tickets to Vestavia Carmike to see Pitch Perfect 2 tonight (with them!). So excited! Opening night WooHoo! How did they know we would want to see this?!!
Also happy that Bill is feeling better and will be able to drive up to Lake Guntersville State Park (just over an hour away) for us to stay in one of their chalets (like a cabin with a view of the lake) for a couple of nights. We thought it would be nice to get away for a few days. Caden is going to come with us and is prepped to read, relax and play games or puzzles. We've always loved staying up there, and are looking forward to this.
Again, so grateful for the many checking in texts and emails, the many meals delivered for us, and other contacts. We feel your love and compassion, and appreciate it so much.
Until later!
Much love,
Denise
Going back to the first of my last two visits with Dr. Nabell...my heart had been racing in my chest, even when I was just sitting down. She had prescribed the Verapamil which immediately helped. I had the echocardiogram, and then met with a cardiologist for an ekg and to go over both. Fortunately, my heart functions all look good. He said I have mild hypertension and that the meds should be continued. The doc is located at a UAB/Kirklin center located in Vestavia! I have driven past it several times and didn't really notice it was there.
At the LAST Dr. Nabell appointment, we discussed the visit with the cardiologist, and also discussed having my last 12 treatments at the Vestavia center. She agreed with that. That is for the weekly taxol treatments. Those are going to be scheduled for Wednesdays, and will last about 2 hours each. She said (and the nurse later also said) that many people are able to work the next day. I'm very grateful I will have will a couple of weeks of those treatments before I go back to work on June 8.
The news that has taken me the longest to digest is that she feels I need 6 weeks of daily radiation (Monday-Fridays) following the treatments, regardless of whether I have surgery or not. She said that because the margins were not differentiated (I may be saying that wrong), that the radiation will make sure that the area is covered. She is setting up an appointment with a surgeon at UAB for me to discuss surgical options, and that appointment should be in the next month or so. I am not sure whether or not the surgery would potentially come first and then radiation, or vice versa, so I will have additional questions to ask as I meet with the surgeon and Dr. Nabell. Interestingly, the Vestavia Kirklin center is the only place that the radiation is done, so at least it will be close by also. Those treatments will take under an hour each (about 30-40 minutes). I will check out that office/location when I go for the weekly treatments.
Right after the last blog post, I started having issues with my eyes...lots of watering and some itching. The nurse was very responsive and said that it was a side effect of chemo, but if the itching continued or got 'gritty' to call an ophthalmologist. By that Monday morning, my eyes were red and very gritty feeling, so I called a local UAB ophthalmology office here in Vestavia. They told me to come in by 10:15 (they specialize in glaucoma but are suited to meet any ophthalmology needs). I got in and was fully screened and checked. He told me I still have 20/20 vision (or so) long-distance and that my eyes were the best he had seen all morning! BUT the side-effects of chemo were definitely causing my eye issues (in addition to being a woman over the age of 40!). So now I'm putting in Systane Balance eye drops as often as I can during the day (recommended 8-10 times), and taking 2000 mg of fish oil each day. The eye drops have really helped but I find I do have to put them in every hour-hour and a half.
Then came my last infusion of the first set of cocktails. So grateful to have that over but I'm still dealing with the aftermath. Even thinking about the infusion makes me feel ill. Grateful to have Mary and MJ Aiken walk over from Children's to hang out with me for a bit. I finally asked the nurse why they wear gloves and gown while giving the 'red devil' chemo part, and she said that it's very toxic and that she has accidentally gotten some on her skin and has scars as a result. Okay, that's enough of that!
Rachel's Steven came by on Friday morning to take Bill to UAB for his gall bladder surgery, scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Surgery went well and pretty easily from what I've been told. The day took longer than expected because he experienced some nausea and then had to be given IV fluids to help him go to the bathroom! Steven was a trooper, as Bill didn't get home til around 4:00. Bill rested well, and managed the pain pretty well, even with soreness. In fact, yesterday (Wednesday), he went into work and worked most of the day! The 'scar' looks really good...right in the center of his belly button!
We didn't announce this when I learned about it, because we weren't sure how Saturday was going to go (3 days after my infusion and the day after Bill's surgery), but I was notified at the beginning of the week that I had won a contest through Silvertron Restaurant (in Avondale)! It was for a pick up and car ride in a classic vehicle and then ride back home. We went ahead and said YES because we were hopeful in getting out for a wonderful Mother's Day brunch! Ben was out of town, so couldn't join us, and Rachel was working in the morning but joined us at the restaurant. Cathy and Bob Corley were able to come to our house for the experience and brunch! Yes, we got up and by 11:00 the "Elizabeth," a 1956 white Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud pulled up in front of our house. Matt, our driver, couldn't have been more gracious. We piled in and drove to Silvertron. I resisted the urge to roll down the window and wave like the queen to the neighbors.
We had a wonderful brunch with Rachel and Caden, Bob and Cathy, and us. Marco (the owner) greeted us at the curb with a special parking space and we were seated by the front window. We shared a pitcher of strawberry-basil mimosas (DELICIOUS!) and amazing brunch meals. Caden was able to squeeze in the Rolls to ride back to the house with us. A fun time. We were ready to nap and relax when we got back but we were able to do that! So fun.
On Sunday (actual Mother's Day), I was surprised with a wonderful flower container of flowers that attract hummingbirds (from both kids and Bill). Ben brought me some cupcakes from his favorite baker in Jacksonville, and Molly Jo brought me some potted flowers as well. Ben made french toast breakfast. Lovely.
Yesterday, I felt better mentally and emotionally but was worn out as soon as I got up to do anything. Today is better with my energy, so I'm happy about that. Tonight is another part of my Mother's Day! Ben and MJ got her mother and me tickets to Vestavia Carmike to see Pitch Perfect 2 tonight (with them!). So excited! Opening night WooHoo! How did they know we would want to see this?!!
Also happy that Bill is feeling better and will be able to drive up to Lake Guntersville State Park (just over an hour away) for us to stay in one of their chalets (like a cabin with a view of the lake) for a couple of nights. We thought it would be nice to get away for a few days. Caden is going to come with us and is prepped to read, relax and play games or puzzles. We've always loved staying up there, and are looking forward to this.
Again, so grateful for the many checking in texts and emails, the many meals delivered for us, and other contacts. We feel your love and compassion, and appreciate it so much.
Until later!
Much love,
Denise
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
how do 10 days go by?
so lots to update on...I just haven't felt up to writing but this morning is definitely better.
Last Tuesday, April 21, Rachel took me to an appointment with Dr. Nabell (who I usually don't see during infusions). I had realized that my heart had been pounding for the past week and a half or so...even when I was just sitting, I could feel my heart racing in my chest. Sure enough, my blood pressure was up, and the blood counts showed some elevated numbers. Dr. Nabell said the steroids that I was given during and after infusions could definitely be pushing my heart, etc.
SO, she revised the amount of the steroid shot given right before the infusion, told me NOT to take the steroid pills that were prescribed for 3 days after the infusion, and gave me a prescription for Verapamil, which she described as a beta blocker and would help with my symptoms.
The lesser doses of steroids made me nervous, since I know they have helped me with the first initial days and it had been expressed to me that they were great in keeping my energy up.
BUT I got the Verapamil filled immediately that day, and the next day when I went in for my infusion, my blood pressure was already in normal range. And my heart hasn't been beating in my chest as before.
I also had an echocardiogram done yesterday (Tuesday). This is basically like a sonagram that they do to check on a baby, but they do it to view and hear the heart. The technician said she thought things looked good, but obviously, the doctor would need to review it. My next appointment with Dr. Nabell is next Tuesday (May 5).
The primary bummer from the April 21 appointment was that Dr. Nabell said she believed I need radiation regardless of whether I have a mastectomy or not. She said she reviewed my info with another doctor, and they agreed that they believed the initial site of cancer was right beside the lymph node that basically swallowed it, and so that area needs to be radiated. Decisions will be made in the last months of chemo treatment in terms of surgery and radiation or just radiation. Right now I'm just trying to process this, and I'll learn more about what the treatment is like and what it means as time goes on. I was definitely hoping that possibly surgery would end everything and I could avoid radiation, so I'm wrapping my head around that.
Last week's infusion went fine, with no surprises. Bill took me, and we had a lovely Fish Market dinner BEFORE my appointment. Got home, and just chilled.
On Thursday, I got out in the afternoon to go to church to see the car ministry give a car to a mom and her 23 year old son. The son has been battling leukemia since he was 19, and has recently come out of remission. It was a joy to be with several car ministry folks to turn over the keys to this wonderful mom.
That was the last time I was out of the house until yesterday, when I went for the echo.
I had intended to get out in the morning to go with Bill for his consult with the gall bladder doctor at Kirklin. BUT when I woke up yesterday, I was very nauseated and weak. It occurred to me (finally) to take one of my anti-nausea pills (which I take as needed), and after 4-5 hours, I felt better. Bill took me to the echo, and then we even went to the grocery store (I was out of my Greek yogurt!).
Bill's appointment was very productive. He met with the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and everyone else who will be involved with his surgery. He went through pre-op, and has everything ready to go. They will go in through his belly button! Who knew? Surgery is scheduled for Friday, May 8, and will take between 4-8 hours. They were very thorough with him about their expectations, which is very comforting. No lifting or heavy work for a couple of weeks, but the following week at some point, he could work as long as he feels like it. They don't anticipate any complications or major issues. Bill will certainly be glad to have this part over, as it's been a concern for how he feels on a daily basis.
So, I'm very happy that we have some things planned, that I am managing my meds and figuring out what to do when I feel crappy. I appreciate everyone's patience in me getting any info out. The weakness in mind and body is very different and difficult to explain. So grateful for my friends who continue to bring meals twice a week.
Caden turned 10 last weekend!! What!!!??? Rachel, Steven and Caden were out of town, so we'll have our time with him this Saturday. So looking forward to it! Ben wants to take him to the zoo or the science center, and we'll have our celebration at some point during all of that.
Ben is working individual days/weeks with different school system bands around the state. He's looking forward to creating new associations/friendships, while expanding his resume! MJ will be starting an internship/job at Children's Hospital emergency room soon.
Love y'all!
Last Tuesday, April 21, Rachel took me to an appointment with Dr. Nabell (who I usually don't see during infusions). I had realized that my heart had been pounding for the past week and a half or so...even when I was just sitting, I could feel my heart racing in my chest. Sure enough, my blood pressure was up, and the blood counts showed some elevated numbers. Dr. Nabell said the steroids that I was given during and after infusions could definitely be pushing my heart, etc.
SO, she revised the amount of the steroid shot given right before the infusion, told me NOT to take the steroid pills that were prescribed for 3 days after the infusion, and gave me a prescription for Verapamil, which she described as a beta blocker and would help with my symptoms.
The lesser doses of steroids made me nervous, since I know they have helped me with the first initial days and it had been expressed to me that they were great in keeping my energy up.
BUT I got the Verapamil filled immediately that day, and the next day when I went in for my infusion, my blood pressure was already in normal range. And my heart hasn't been beating in my chest as before.
I also had an echocardiogram done yesterday (Tuesday). This is basically like a sonagram that they do to check on a baby, but they do it to view and hear the heart. The technician said she thought things looked good, but obviously, the doctor would need to review it. My next appointment with Dr. Nabell is next Tuesday (May 5).
The primary bummer from the April 21 appointment was that Dr. Nabell said she believed I need radiation regardless of whether I have a mastectomy or not. She said she reviewed my info with another doctor, and they agreed that they believed the initial site of cancer was right beside the lymph node that basically swallowed it, and so that area needs to be radiated. Decisions will be made in the last months of chemo treatment in terms of surgery and radiation or just radiation. Right now I'm just trying to process this, and I'll learn more about what the treatment is like and what it means as time goes on. I was definitely hoping that possibly surgery would end everything and I could avoid radiation, so I'm wrapping my head around that.
Last week's infusion went fine, with no surprises. Bill took me, and we had a lovely Fish Market dinner BEFORE my appointment. Got home, and just chilled.
On Thursday, I got out in the afternoon to go to church to see the car ministry give a car to a mom and her 23 year old son. The son has been battling leukemia since he was 19, and has recently come out of remission. It was a joy to be with several car ministry folks to turn over the keys to this wonderful mom.
That was the last time I was out of the house until yesterday, when I went for the echo.
I had intended to get out in the morning to go with Bill for his consult with the gall bladder doctor at Kirklin. BUT when I woke up yesterday, I was very nauseated and weak. It occurred to me (finally) to take one of my anti-nausea pills (which I take as needed), and after 4-5 hours, I felt better. Bill took me to the echo, and then we even went to the grocery store (I was out of my Greek yogurt!).
Bill's appointment was very productive. He met with the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and everyone else who will be involved with his surgery. He went through pre-op, and has everything ready to go. They will go in through his belly button! Who knew? Surgery is scheduled for Friday, May 8, and will take between 4-8 hours. They were very thorough with him about their expectations, which is very comforting. No lifting or heavy work for a couple of weeks, but the following week at some point, he could work as long as he feels like it. They don't anticipate any complications or major issues. Bill will certainly be glad to have this part over, as it's been a concern for how he feels on a daily basis.
So, I'm very happy that we have some things planned, that I am managing my meds and figuring out what to do when I feel crappy. I appreciate everyone's patience in me getting any info out. The weakness in mind and body is very different and difficult to explain. So grateful for my friends who continue to bring meals twice a week.
Caden turned 10 last weekend!! What!!!??? Rachel, Steven and Caden were out of town, so we'll have our time with him this Saturday. So looking forward to it! Ben wants to take him to the zoo or the science center, and we'll have our celebration at some point during all of that.
Ben is working individual days/weeks with different school system bands around the state. He's looking forward to creating new associations/friendships, while expanding his resume! MJ will be starting an internship/job at Children's Hospital emergency room soon.
Love y'all!
Sunday, April 19, 2015
sometimes it's hard to write
Hi! I am finally getting to writing out some info from the last week and a half...There's nothing bad to report; in fact there's lots of praises. I'm kinda surprised at myself for how hard it's been to get myself to pull up the blog again.
So, yep, I find myself many times not wanting to talk about it, think about it, look in the mirror, or think about the next several months. An appropriate adjective might be overwhelming (at least at times). I am fighting the temptation to withdraw and hide, and love it when I'm out with friends and family.
Some highlights since the last post:
It was so great to watch Ben and Music City Mystique in the WGI Finals in Dayton. Here are a couple of videos:
Finals Warm-ups in the Lot
Finals Performance
During the finals, the tech component didn't connect, which meant their overall effect was not as high as it should/could have been. SO...they went into finals in 2nd place, but ended in 4th. HOWEVER, they had an amazing score of over 96/100, and we couldn't be more proud.
Since in the finals performance above, you don't see what should have been on the TV screens in the back, let me share what you should have seen:
Gamemaster starts loading the sequences that the players have to win against.
Sequences in order are: Predator, Hurricane, Earthquake, Heat, Swarm (knowing that, you can watch the video and understand which sequences the players are reacting to).
Once all the sequences have gone through, the gamemaster begins uploading all sequences at once. This is when the players "fight back" and the cymbal player ultimately triumphs by removing the gamemaster's mask.
The photos below were taken after the finals award ceremony. About half of these young people have officially 'aged' out now, meaning that they can't be performers in WGI again. Ben has one more year to perform with them, and we truly look forward to the next season.
I am so very thankful for mom going with me. Way before I was diagnosed, we had planned to go together for the finals, but it worked out so great. I had treatment on that Wednesday (April 8), and I knew that the weekend was going to be very tiring. We stayed in a great hotel not too far from the stadium. I borrowed a wheelchair from the church, which enabled me not to have to walk so far. In addition, I got tickets in the ADA section (on the main walkway with the bar in front of it). I would have been way overwhelmed if I had sat in the arena seating area with so many people. Lots of things worked out really well.
This was my view:
MJ and her mom, aunt and family friend were at the semi-finals and finals as well. We enjoyed dinner with them and Angela Dickey (Sarah's mom from Hoover....Sarah played synthesizer in the front ensemble and has been an indoor drumline friend since Ben's early high school days with DoubleStop Indoor Percussion time) at the Rusty Bucket restaurant.
Mom and I got back home on Sunday evening, April 12 after a smooth drive home.
Going back to the April 8th treatment day, mom took me to Kirklin so she got to see where that is. I had blood drawn, which they will do now every time before chemo. They check red and white blood counts to make sure they are where they should be.
I had the chance to talk to the nurse about the Dayton trip, and some other general questions. Here's some things I learned:
1. I should not take how I feel for whether or not my blood counts are good. In other words, my counts could be low, but I feel very good, or I feel sick and my blood counts could be fine. She pulled my counts and showed them to me, in relation to the Dayton trip. The counts were all in good range, so she was positive about me going on the trip. We had talked about possibly using a mask, but she didn't think it was going to be necessary, especially if I took breaks in open areas every so often, and sitting in the area where I was was also helpful.
2. These first four treatments (March 25, April 8, April 22, and May 6) are the worst, in terms of the effects of the chemos. I was feeling so good on the morning of the 8th, I asked her if I could count on feeling that good in the 5 days (or so) leading up to the next treatment. She said that there is a cumulative effect, meaning that the April 8th treatment effects would last a little longer, then the 22nd, a little longer than that, and the 6th as being even longer. BUT, good news...she said the last 12 weekly treatments will have less effects than these first four as it's a different chemo. Yay for that!
3. She gave me some advice about the side effects...I can continue to use Ativan as needed for sleep/chill in the evenings, but I can also use Benadryl with similar effect. I need to monitor the anti-nausea medications because they have side-effects, too. The inside of my mouth has become much more 'raw' or sensitive, and the salt/baking soda solution she recommended has helped a lot.
My hair began shedding right before the April 8th treatment. I had it cut very short, but not shaved. Picture going from a pet's shedding to clumps of hair coming out (for you movie buffs, picture the cheerleader in The Craft, whose hair starts coming out due to the young witches curse!). I'm still trying to get comfortable in various hats and scarves, and will try out the wig this next week.
You all know I don't like having my picture taken, so it's awkward for me to get excited about posting pictures of me in the wig or hat or scarves, so if that becomes better for me at a later time, I will let you know!
On the day that we got back from Dayton, the Stop Hunger Now truck had delivered some of the equipment needed for the event to begin on Monday, April 13. So much praise and joy about this amazing event. Our goal had been to raise about $72,500 to pack 250,000 meals through Stop Hunger Now (Website). We had a fantastic team of lay members with some additional assistance from some area churches (ultimately, we had 14 churches support us either financially and/or with volunteers). We raised more than our initial goal! From the 13th-14th, we actually even packed more than our original goal, and packed 251,364 meals! It was totally overwhelming, wonderful, awe-inspiring, amazing, and whatever other adjectives you could use. I was not able to hang out very long at any time that I came in (I got tired very quickly). Probably my favorite time in the Fellowship Hall was walking in on Tuesday at 11:00. We had 100 children from Vestavia East Elementary School with another 100 adults in the room, all happy, dancing, smiling and working! A couple of the kids told their teachers it was their best field trip! And several of the kids brought their parents back for a later shift after school.
I'm still trying to adjust to deciding how to spend my days. At this point, I find that being out and about 2-5 hours a day is gracious plenty, and allows me to see people as well as to have some quality rest.
Bill and I have been so grateful and enjoying meals that people are bringing to us...THANK YOU! I have finally understood what that means to the recipient.
I have a regular appointment/check up with the oncologist on Tuesday, and my next treatment is Wednesday. Rachel is going to my appointment with me.
I guess that's enough for now....I'm reading a book a friend gave me called Fight Back With Joy. One of the things the author says is "Whenever you experience a sense of withness - the awareness that others are alongside you - you can't help but experience the presence of joy." She remarks on Paul's letters to Philemon as recognition of the best kind of people to be around - those who encourage and provide hope and joy.
Though I have moments of isolation, I do acknowledge and SO desire and appreciate your friendships and love.
Peace out!
Denise
So, yep, I find myself many times not wanting to talk about it, think about it, look in the mirror, or think about the next several months. An appropriate adjective might be overwhelming (at least at times). I am fighting the temptation to withdraw and hide, and love it when I'm out with friends and family.
Some highlights since the last post:
It was so great to watch Ben and Music City Mystique in the WGI Finals in Dayton. Here are a couple of videos:
Finals Warm-ups in the Lot
Finals Performance
During the finals, the tech component didn't connect, which meant their overall effect was not as high as it should/could have been. SO...they went into finals in 2nd place, but ended in 4th. HOWEVER, they had an amazing score of over 96/100, and we couldn't be more proud.
Since in the finals performance above, you don't see what should have been on the TV screens in the back, let me share what you should have seen:
Gamemaster starts loading the sequences that the players have to win against.
Sequences in order are: Predator, Hurricane, Earthquake, Heat, Swarm (knowing that, you can watch the video and understand which sequences the players are reacting to).
Once all the sequences have gone through, the gamemaster begins uploading all sequences at once. This is when the players "fight back" and the cymbal player ultimately triumphs by removing the gamemaster's mask.
This photo is from semi-finals at the very end of the show. The TVs were working at semis!
I am so very thankful for mom going with me. Way before I was diagnosed, we had planned to go together for the finals, but it worked out so great. I had treatment on that Wednesday (April 8), and I knew that the weekend was going to be very tiring. We stayed in a great hotel not too far from the stadium. I borrowed a wheelchair from the church, which enabled me not to have to walk so far. In addition, I got tickets in the ADA section (on the main walkway with the bar in front of it). I would have been way overwhelmed if I had sat in the arena seating area with so many people. Lots of things worked out really well.
This was my view:
MJ and her mom, aunt and family friend were at the semi-finals and finals as well. We enjoyed dinner with them and Angela Dickey (Sarah's mom from Hoover....Sarah played synthesizer in the front ensemble and has been an indoor drumline friend since Ben's early high school days with DoubleStop Indoor Percussion time) at the Rusty Bucket restaurant.
Mom and I got back home on Sunday evening, April 12 after a smooth drive home.
Going back to the April 8th treatment day, mom took me to Kirklin so she got to see where that is. I had blood drawn, which they will do now every time before chemo. They check red and white blood counts to make sure they are where they should be.
I had the chance to talk to the nurse about the Dayton trip, and some other general questions. Here's some things I learned:
1. I should not take how I feel for whether or not my blood counts are good. In other words, my counts could be low, but I feel very good, or I feel sick and my blood counts could be fine. She pulled my counts and showed them to me, in relation to the Dayton trip. The counts were all in good range, so she was positive about me going on the trip. We had talked about possibly using a mask, but she didn't think it was going to be necessary, especially if I took breaks in open areas every so often, and sitting in the area where I was was also helpful.
2. These first four treatments (March 25, April 8, April 22, and May 6) are the worst, in terms of the effects of the chemos. I was feeling so good on the morning of the 8th, I asked her if I could count on feeling that good in the 5 days (or so) leading up to the next treatment. She said that there is a cumulative effect, meaning that the April 8th treatment effects would last a little longer, then the 22nd, a little longer than that, and the 6th as being even longer. BUT, good news...she said the last 12 weekly treatments will have less effects than these first four as it's a different chemo. Yay for that!
3. She gave me some advice about the side effects...I can continue to use Ativan as needed for sleep/chill in the evenings, but I can also use Benadryl with similar effect. I need to monitor the anti-nausea medications because they have side-effects, too. The inside of my mouth has become much more 'raw' or sensitive, and the salt/baking soda solution she recommended has helped a lot.
My hair began shedding right before the April 8th treatment. I had it cut very short, but not shaved. Picture going from a pet's shedding to clumps of hair coming out (for you movie buffs, picture the cheerleader in The Craft, whose hair starts coming out due to the young witches curse!). I'm still trying to get comfortable in various hats and scarves, and will try out the wig this next week.
You all know I don't like having my picture taken, so it's awkward for me to get excited about posting pictures of me in the wig or hat or scarves, so if that becomes better for me at a later time, I will let you know!
On the day that we got back from Dayton, the Stop Hunger Now truck had delivered some of the equipment needed for the event to begin on Monday, April 13. So much praise and joy about this amazing event. Our goal had been to raise about $72,500 to pack 250,000 meals through Stop Hunger Now (Website). We had a fantastic team of lay members with some additional assistance from some area churches (ultimately, we had 14 churches support us either financially and/or with volunteers). We raised more than our initial goal! From the 13th-14th, we actually even packed more than our original goal, and packed 251,364 meals! It was totally overwhelming, wonderful, awe-inspiring, amazing, and whatever other adjectives you could use. I was not able to hang out very long at any time that I came in (I got tired very quickly). Probably my favorite time in the Fellowship Hall was walking in on Tuesday at 11:00. We had 100 children from Vestavia East Elementary School with another 100 adults in the room, all happy, dancing, smiling and working! A couple of the kids told their teachers it was their best field trip! And several of the kids brought their parents back for a later shift after school.
I'm still trying to adjust to deciding how to spend my days. At this point, I find that being out and about 2-5 hours a day is gracious plenty, and allows me to see people as well as to have some quality rest.
Bill and I have been so grateful and enjoying meals that people are bringing to us...THANK YOU! I have finally understood what that means to the recipient.
I have a regular appointment/check up with the oncologist on Tuesday, and my next treatment is Wednesday. Rachel is going to my appointment with me.
I guess that's enough for now....I'm reading a book a friend gave me called Fight Back With Joy. One of the things the author says is "Whenever you experience a sense of withness - the awareness that others are alongside you - you can't help but experience the presence of joy." She remarks on Paul's letters to Philemon as recognition of the best kind of people to be around - those who encourage and provide hope and joy.
Though I have moments of isolation, I do acknowledge and SO desire and appreciate your friendships and love.
Peace out!
Denise
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Delayed Update!
Hi everybody! Holy Week was so great for several reasons...great Lenten lunches and speakers, services, Easter morning with Caden, then Easter lunch with Ben, Caden, Rachel and Steven, and Lynne. Saturday had Bill, Ben and I going up to Smyrna, TN for family night, Music City Mystique. It was FAB! We watched a little bit of rehearsal, then the group came out and did a 'concert-type' version of the show, and then did the whole show. They've continued to tweak the show and the changes make it even better!
On Friday, Cathy and I went to Good Friday service, and then went looking at wigs and hats. Then today (Tuesday), we went with Rachel to check out eyebrow makeup! I know for you guys that doesn't mean anything, but you ladies will know how important it is to have SOMETHING above your eyes!!
Mom came into town tonight, and she'll take me to treatment tomorrow (Wednesday). I go in at 11:00 for blood work, which they will check each treatment time for red and white blood cell levels. Treatment starts at 12:00. They were very accurate last time with the length of time (about 2.5 hours).
The nurses were also very accurate with their predictions of symptoms, etc. I've got some questions to ask tomorrow, in terms of how similar will this next time be to the last time, and how different or similar will the treatments be after the initial four treatments (when I start the weekly treatments). These last four-five days have felt pretty normal, and it would be nice to know if I could expect that each time.
My hair has started falling out...I noticed that my arms are completely hairless today. I have some major sensitivity in my mouth (which has the cells that frequently generate like hair). I got my hair cut very short this afternoon so that the hair falling out won't seem so bad (I hope).
I have worked with Malinda to take a couple of months off of work (thank you Malinda!). My goal would be to really focus on friends and family (which sure includes many of my church peeps) on those days where I feel good. I know the 2 months will go quickly! Everyone has been so great to help out and be supportive.
HOWEVER, I can say with MUCH JOY that VHUMC folks made our goal of $72,500 during the Lenten season (and with some partnerships with other churches). This will allow us to package 250,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now (www.stophungernow.org) next Monday and Tuesday. So excited!
I'm also really looking forward to mom and I going up to Dayton this weekend (I know that sounds a little crazy, and it is), but Ben's group is performing in the WGI World Championships! Thursday night are preliminaries, Friday is semi-finals and Saturday is finals. Their group won first at the Regionals, and they are in very good standing to win the whole thing. It's been several years since they've placed first, so it is VERY exciting!!
So, it's good to go into tomorrow's treatment knowing that I have something to look forward to soon. We are planning to rest during the day and then get to the shows in the evenings for about an hour or so (as energy levels go).
Hope that y'all are well, and reveling as Easter people.
Denise
From Saturday:
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Vague Notions
This week I realized I've had several vague notions,
So my notions have included that because I felt so good before the first infusion, I would feel just as strong afterwords. On Thursday, it was great to visit a little with Cathy and Melinda (who came bearing yummy food gifts). But even though I was tired, I was still just ready to ride things through.
Come Friday, Ben went to an appointment, and then we arranged to meet for breakfast/brunch. I went by the office for just a bit beforehand, but was having a hard time concentrating.
Which brings me to the idea of focus...one of the strangest things has been my ability (or should I say, inability) to focus and concentrate without feeling overwhelmed. I found myself being able to listen but not talk, watch but not discuss, or make minimal conversation but nothing meaningful. That's basically continued through today.
The stomach/nausea thing has been there...mostly I've been able to keep the bad stuff at bay. Lots
of anti-nausea medicines mess with you...I'll prepare better for the next time. The ativan to help sleep at night is very useful....the one night I didn't take it, I was up in the middle of the night for a couple of hours.
of anti-nausea medicines mess with you...I'll prepare better for the next time. The ativan to help sleep at night is very useful....the one night I didn't take it, I was up in the middle of the night for a couple of hours.
Thank goodness Bill has been so great to me. We actually went out yesterday and picked out a much needed new dishwasher to replace our current leaking one. And, today, we went to Palm Sunday Service, although that was about all I could handle. I do feel a little stronger this afternoon. Tomorrow, I plan to go into work in the morning, through our Monday Lenten luncheon. And then, probably a nap! I've found a good nap around 2:00 or so is just about right.
There's probably 20 or more possible side effects...we were told that I could experience just a few or all 20. And, there's no guarantee of when a side effect will hit; i.e., I could be fine for several days and then have a day of nausea or extra-tiredness.
So, it's a day at a time. I have been humbled! And, I feel extra compassion towards those people who have to deal with chronic physical and mental ailments...it's very easy to forget the hidden anxieties and hurts that are constantly or repetitively present.
Thanks so much to Ben for helping me grocery shop and deal with the groceries, for MJ for some yummy brownies, for cards in the mail from sweet friends, and for y'alls prayers and support!
Love y'all!
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Stupid Cancer
Seen at the end of my first treatment - notice the green barf bags and bandaids close by!
The actual infusion was easy-peasy...the port worked so great, I had not pain or discomfort with that.
There were a couple of volunteers who reminded me of Dad and Uncle Bob, asking what I needed (hot blanket, yes, water, yes, an extra pillow, yes, cran-grape, yes). Speaking of Uncle Bob, while I was going through my infusion yesterday, he was having shoulder surgery. Shout out to Bob!! Hard to believe his was going to be out-patient surgery with a long recovery at home. Means lots of work for Aunt Karan AND Bob!
Two of the nurses in my area graduated from JSU where Ben is, and from the nursing school where MJ WILL be getting into for next year.
Ben came in to visit before I was completely done (remember I was way delayed to get into the infusion room). So he was another bright face for me! He was got a Starbucks coffee (so great to have a Starbucks shop in the main area of Kirklin), and came in another time to check on me, then was ready to get the car to pick me up.
On the way home, I wanted some won ton soup, and Ben loves Chinese, so we got to-go from Mandarin House (that's a plug for them) and came home. I was ready to eat. Within an hour or so, and while Ben and I were watching a movie (The Interview), I wanted to sleep and slept for several hours. When I awoke, I felt all the feelings that you might imagine. Not sure if I can describe them, just say that slo-mo, other-worldly, overwhelmed were part of it. Took all the anti-nausea meds I could take. Around 8 I had a the blueberry muffin that Bill brought me and a frozen chocolate banana. It was perfect.
I have Ativan to take for sleep during these few days, so I went ahead and took one just in case and slept pretty well with my cPap and in the easy chair (still helpful with the drainage site).
This morning, I'm mostly alert. I talked to Rosalie from Knoxville - even though we haven't talked in a while, she's one of those friends that you can just pick up with as though no time had passed. I was able to return several texts (THANKS!) and FB messages (THANKS!).
I had some oatmeal this morning and have been drinking some diet Sprite...gotta keep the fluids going. Cathy is bringing me some chicken soup lunch, and Melinda is bringing dinner tonight.
Lots going on with mom, and dad and Marianna. Thinking of you guys a lot. And Debbie (my sister) is in process of getting their new home ready to move into. LOTS HAPPENING WITH EVERYBODY!!
SOOOO grateful for you all. You make my days better. Take special care of yourself,
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Here we go....
Began writing this at 9:35 am.
7:30 am: Bill and I were up bright and early this morning, pumped and primed for this part of the adventure. We made it to Kirklin right on time and got checked in. After about 15 minutes I asked the receptionist if she would remind me of the educator's name. She told me Miss Betty, but that Miss Betty was on vacation. Wait, what? So I said, I was told I'd be meeting with Miss Betty, and Miss Receptionist said "they" must not have known she was on vacation when they scheduled me. I said "they" just made the appointment last week and that Miss Betty had called me about watching the educational video. Miss Receptionist looked blankly for just a sec (I'm giving her some credit here) before saying that a nurse would be meeting with me, and that nurses had done the education part before Miss Betty was hired so they were used to it. So, at least partially satisfied, I sat down again.
8:15 am. Sitting in waiting room. At this point we had watched lots of people go in while waiting for my name to be called. The wait was humbling and sometimes entertaining. The ladies to the left of me (Darlene lives on the Tombigbee and Darla lives on the Warrior River), began discussing their husbands' treatments and subsequent side effects. Thankfully they moved on to other topics. Did you know that you cook alligator tail by using seasoning salt on both sides and flipping it on a hot greased skillet? Well I'll be durned, as Darla replied.
While I was distracted with tales from the wild side, Bill went up to Miss Receptionist to politely inquire as to our appointment time of 7:30, now long gone. She said she would check.
Bill and I had THE talk: we will be working and meeting regularly in this clinic for 4 months, so we don't want to be those obnoxious people; on the other hand, our plan had been that Bill would make to work well before the 10:00 rehearsal time today. BUT you already know how well our plans have been going!
Right at 8:45 just as Bill stood up to check again with Miss Receptionist, my name was called! Woohoo! Here we go.
At this point I had already dissolved into tears twice. When Malinda had texted me this morning to wish me well, I had told her that I was nervous but not anxious. That changed! My anxiety level increased with every Pro Bass story I heard from Darla and Darlene.
So as soon as sweet Nurse Betty asked how I was in the most appropriate compassionate nurse voice. I dissolved once again. She said all the right things about apologizing and how I should have been brought back sooner, etc. I love me some Nurse Betty.
She went through all of the info that we needed and wanted...sometime later I may share some of that but right now I'm hooked up and can't reach my folder.
By 9:20, Bill hurried out the door, and hopefully made it to rehearsal in time to deal with all the issues that come up before the baton is waved. Nurse Vickie called me back and has talked me through this whole thing. I feel very cared for and am in a much happier place.
Vickie was able to access the port easily (GRATEFUL!) and I've had the first two medicines, one to raise my white blood cell count and the other an anti-nausea med. After this I'll have the two chemo drugs (I may update you on those two later, also when I pull the folder out).
Time to chill, listen to some music and focus on positive energy. I am feeling overwhelmed with expressions of love and support. I could give shout-outs all day long. Here's a couple: Melinda Burnett has set up a Take Them A Meal site so friends can sign up to bring meals (and is bringing the first meal tomorrow!); Rachel Estes texted me from Panama while serving on a medical mission team; Malinda Weaver and the mission peeps at VHUMC are covering it! and so nice to make contact with some friends that I haven't talked to in a while.
By the way, they allow friends to come into the infusion room to check in but not to sit and visit.
Can't thank y'all enough. I know I will feel like crap but now just grateful. It's 10:35 and we are running the race.
7:30 am: Bill and I were up bright and early this morning, pumped and primed for this part of the adventure. We made it to Kirklin right on time and got checked in. After about 15 minutes I asked the receptionist if she would remind me of the educator's name. She told me Miss Betty, but that Miss Betty was on vacation. Wait, what? So I said, I was told I'd be meeting with Miss Betty, and Miss Receptionist said "they" must not have known she was on vacation when they scheduled me. I said "they" just made the appointment last week and that Miss Betty had called me about watching the educational video. Miss Receptionist looked blankly for just a sec (I'm giving her some credit here) before saying that a nurse would be meeting with me, and that nurses had done the education part before Miss Betty was hired so they were used to it. So, at least partially satisfied, I sat down again.
8:15 am. Sitting in waiting room. At this point we had watched lots of people go in while waiting for my name to be called. The wait was humbling and sometimes entertaining. The ladies to the left of me (Darlene lives on the Tombigbee and Darla lives on the Warrior River), began discussing their husbands' treatments and subsequent side effects. Thankfully they moved on to other topics. Did you know that you cook alligator tail by using seasoning salt on both sides and flipping it on a hot greased skillet? Well I'll be durned, as Darla replied.
While I was distracted with tales from the wild side, Bill went up to Miss Receptionist to politely inquire as to our appointment time of 7:30, now long gone. She said she would check.
Bill and I had THE talk: we will be working and meeting regularly in this clinic for 4 months, so we don't want to be those obnoxious people; on the other hand, our plan had been that Bill would make to work well before the 10:00 rehearsal time today. BUT you already know how well our plans have been going!
Right at 8:45 just as Bill stood up to check again with Miss Receptionist, my name was called! Woohoo! Here we go.
At this point I had already dissolved into tears twice. When Malinda had texted me this morning to wish me well, I had told her that I was nervous but not anxious. That changed! My anxiety level increased with every Pro Bass story I heard from Darla and Darlene.
So as soon as sweet Nurse Betty asked how I was in the most appropriate compassionate nurse voice. I dissolved once again. She said all the right things about apologizing and how I should have been brought back sooner, etc. I love me some Nurse Betty.
She went through all of the info that we needed and wanted...sometime later I may share some of that but right now I'm hooked up and can't reach my folder.
By 9:20, Bill hurried out the door, and hopefully made it to rehearsal in time to deal with all the issues that come up before the baton is waved. Nurse Vickie called me back and has talked me through this whole thing. I feel very cared for and am in a much happier place.
Vickie was able to access the port easily (GRATEFUL!) and I've had the first two medicines, one to raise my white blood cell count and the other an anti-nausea med. After this I'll have the two chemo drugs (I may update you on those two later, also when I pull the folder out).
Time to chill, listen to some music and focus on positive energy. I am feeling overwhelmed with expressions of love and support. I could give shout-outs all day long. Here's a couple: Melinda Burnett has set up a Take Them A Meal site so friends can sign up to bring meals (and is bringing the first meal tomorrow!); Rachel Estes texted me from Panama while serving on a medical mission team; Malinda Weaver and the mission peeps at VHUMC are covering it! and so nice to make contact with some friends that I haven't talked to in a while.
By the way, they allow friends to come into the infusion room to check in but not to sit and visit.
Can't thank y'all enough. I know I will feel like crap but now just grateful. It's 10:35 and we are running the race.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Manic Monday
Do you know there are about 10 songs written with Monday in the title? Last week was Rainy Days and Mondays. Today is Manic Monday...little known fact, but Prince wrote the song for the Bangles to record.
Yesterday, Bill and I had the absolute treat of being in Bowling Green, KY to watch Music City Mystique perform at the Mid-South Regionals of WGI. We had the added benefit of being able to spend the day with Bill's sister, Marj and her husband Tom (they live in Louisville and came down for the day).
MCM won first at the preliminary on Saturday and first on Sunday for their group level, which is Independent Percussion World. SO EXCITING! This puts them in very good status for winning at the World Championships in Dayton in April.
Here's a video of the show from Sunday: Music City Mystique 2015
The only downside to Sunday was that I was feeling feverish and achy. I got it under control for the most part by spacing out Tylenol and Ibuprofen. BUT, I realized I had some swelling around the incision where the lymph nodes were taken out. So, Bill let me rest on the drive home. Swelling was worse Sunday night and more so on Monday morning. I made an appointment with the surgeon this afternoon. He is based out of Brookwood, but apparently does surgeries and clinics at St. Vincent's as well, so today was St. Vincent's day. The swelling looked even worse after I called for the appointment, so Bill and I decided to go early to check with the nurse that I was going to survive this (we started thinking about the last surgery I had; the site got infected and I was put back in the hospital for 3 days). By the time the doctor got to me, he did an ultrasound and said, yes, there's lots and lots and lots of fluid in there. He inserted a drain that he described alike a straw. Not to be too gross, because it sounds gross and it is gross, he drained off quite a bit. The drain will stay in til he removes it next week. I also got an antibiotic that I have already started. He said he was surprised I didn't feel worse (my mama didn't raise a whiner!).
Another interesting fact...because some drainage had gotten on the table, by the time we walked out of the office, two guys had come (from maintenance? from the "OMG it's an infection" office?) and were taking the table OUT. Don't know if they were going to disinfect it or throw it away!
Soooooo while we were waiting to pick up the antibiotic (here's the reminder to say the VESTAVIA Rite-Aid, VESTAVIA please, because if you say just say Vestavia Rite-Aid on 31, they will definitely send it to Hoover), Bill got the call from his doc's office with results from last week's MRI. His gallbladder needs to be removed! Apparently, the MRI showed some gallstones, so it's pretty clear having it removed is the best option. We have a couple of weeks to get that scheduled, and it will be done on an outpatient basis, laparoscopically. It's a very common procedure, but the timing adds more stress to Bill's already stressful life!
However, we have Ben home this week, as it's JSU's spring break week. He's getting some observation hours done at VHHS, with Mr. Horton. He enjoyed his day today, and will be there several more times this week.
Still planning on starting treatment Wednesday morning. I still haven't watched the video that the educator sent me, but I will get that done in the next hour.
Here's hoping that next Monday isn't worthy of another Monday song!
Denise
PS: (Can you do a PS on a blog?) I had a great conversation with one of my retired Bham City School peeps...I had to miss a lunch gathering last week, so she was bringing me up to date. She said one of the things they did at their gathering was to talk to each other about what their preferences might be if they got sick or incapacitated. Preferences such as: how would you want to communicate (text/phone/email, etc.), what's your husband's phone contact and can we call him?, would you want to be visited in the hospital or would you want us to wait til you got home, etc. I thought it was so great to have that conversation with your small group of friends so you would have a hint of how to move forward and act. Also, here's a reminder to GET YOUR WILL and HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE updated and signed! We did ours last week, and it's a relief to know that it's in place. It's not morbidity, it's common sense.
By the way, PLEASE text or email! It would be fine to check in with me, and even to say that you would like talk if I have the energy or time!
Yesterday, Bill and I had the absolute treat of being in Bowling Green, KY to watch Music City Mystique perform at the Mid-South Regionals of WGI. We had the added benefit of being able to spend the day with Bill's sister, Marj and her husband Tom (they live in Louisville and came down for the day).
MCM won first at the preliminary on Saturday and first on Sunday for their group level, which is Independent Percussion World. SO EXCITING! This puts them in very good status for winning at the World Championships in Dayton in April.
Here's a video of the show from Sunday: Music City Mystique 2015
The only downside to Sunday was that I was feeling feverish and achy. I got it under control for the most part by spacing out Tylenol and Ibuprofen. BUT, I realized I had some swelling around the incision where the lymph nodes were taken out. So, Bill let me rest on the drive home. Swelling was worse Sunday night and more so on Monday morning. I made an appointment with the surgeon this afternoon. He is based out of Brookwood, but apparently does surgeries and clinics at St. Vincent's as well, so today was St. Vincent's day. The swelling looked even worse after I called for the appointment, so Bill and I decided to go early to check with the nurse that I was going to survive this (we started thinking about the last surgery I had; the site got infected and I was put back in the hospital for 3 days). By the time the doctor got to me, he did an ultrasound and said, yes, there's lots and lots and lots of fluid in there. He inserted a drain that he described alike a straw. Not to be too gross, because it sounds gross and it is gross, he drained off quite a bit. The drain will stay in til he removes it next week. I also got an antibiotic that I have already started. He said he was surprised I didn't feel worse (my mama didn't raise a whiner!).
Another interesting fact...because some drainage had gotten on the table, by the time we walked out of the office, two guys had come (from maintenance? from the "OMG it's an infection" office?) and were taking the table OUT. Don't know if they were going to disinfect it or throw it away!
Soooooo while we were waiting to pick up the antibiotic (here's the reminder to say the VESTAVIA Rite-Aid, VESTAVIA please, because if you say just say Vestavia Rite-Aid on 31, they will definitely send it to Hoover), Bill got the call from his doc's office with results from last week's MRI. His gallbladder needs to be removed! Apparently, the MRI showed some gallstones, so it's pretty clear having it removed is the best option. We have a couple of weeks to get that scheduled, and it will be done on an outpatient basis, laparoscopically. It's a very common procedure, but the timing adds more stress to Bill's already stressful life!
However, we have Ben home this week, as it's JSU's spring break week. He's getting some observation hours done at VHHS, with Mr. Horton. He enjoyed his day today, and will be there several more times this week.
Still planning on starting treatment Wednesday morning. I still haven't watched the video that the educator sent me, but I will get that done in the next hour.
Here's hoping that next Monday isn't worthy of another Monday song!
Denise
PS: (Can you do a PS on a blog?) I had a great conversation with one of my retired Bham City School peeps...I had to miss a lunch gathering last week, so she was bringing me up to date. She said one of the things they did at their gathering was to talk to each other about what their preferences might be if they got sick or incapacitated. Preferences such as: how would you want to communicate (text/phone/email, etc.), what's your husband's phone contact and can we call him?, would you want to be visited in the hospital or would you want us to wait til you got home, etc. I thought it was so great to have that conversation with your small group of friends so you would have a hint of how to move forward and act. Also, here's a reminder to GET YOUR WILL and HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE updated and signed! We did ours last week, and it's a relief to know that it's in place. It's not morbidity, it's common sense.
By the way, PLEASE text or email! It would be fine to check in with me, and even to say that you would like talk if I have the energy or time!
Friday, March 20, 2015
I Love My Doctor
I could not be more grateful for Dr. Nabell. She called me a few minutes ago (yes, on a Friday afternoon) to let me know that the liver biopsy was NOT CANCER! Praise and thankfulness!
I also got a call this afternoon from the chemo educator for Kirklin, giving me a code so I can watch an informational video presentation online about treatments. She will also be meeting with us at 7:30 next Wednesday morning to talk more and answer questions before the 8:30 treatment.
The only things I know right now about the treatment is the type of drugs (Cathy reminded me that the drug I couldn't think of is cytoxin) and that these first four rounds will be 2.5 hours long. If I learn anything more from the video that's interesting, I'll post it.
Thanks again for your positive energy and friendship!
Denise
I also got a call this afternoon from the chemo educator for Kirklin, giving me a code so I can watch an informational video presentation online about treatments. She will also be meeting with us at 7:30 next Wednesday morning to talk more and answer questions before the 8:30 treatment.
The only things I know right now about the treatment is the type of drugs (Cathy reminded me that the drug I couldn't think of is cytoxin) and that these first four rounds will be 2.5 hours long. If I learn anything more from the video that's interesting, I'll post it.
Thanks again for your positive energy and friendship!
Denise
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Ready to Update!
Yesterday was liver biopsy day...I wasn't ready to update though, but this morning is better!
6:00 a.m., found the right place to go in the North Pavilion, UAB. It's easy to forget about the North Pavilion when you are driving around UAB, because it's sooooo confusing how many buildings there are! But the North Pavilion is like the AAA of UAB. Beautiful entrance, better signage, and easier to get around.
After waiting a bit, I got to a room and had an IV put in. Then after waiting some more (with Bill in a private room), they took me to the procedure room. There were three other people in the room with me, the doctor, the nurse and then a tech guy. They were really good about telling me what was going to happen and what was happening. They marked the area where the biopsy needle would go in. The IV was enough of a buzz to allow me to close my eyes and relax. They put lidocaine (or whatever it's called that they numb up your mouth with when you get dental work done) in the area where the needle went in. And a sonogram was used to locate the place where they wanted to go with the needle.
If you've ever had your ears pierced, then you know that sound that happens with the needle gun going through your ear lobe. That's kinda what this needle sounded like. I think they took about 3-4 samples, and then I was done.
After waiting in the initial room for a while, I got moved back into a private room. I had been told before and at this time not to move for 4 hours. For whatever reason (!!!!), Bill didn't get pulled back into my room for about an hour. In fact, the doctor had come to check on me, and I told him that I had asked the nurses 3 times for Bill, and the doctor was the one who actually went to get him from the waiting room. That was service! Grateful for him and the concern he showed me!
So I dozed and watched some TV and didn't move until about 1:45. At that time I was able to get dressed and Bill picked me up in the car. The rest of the afternoon I just slept at home. Malinda and Aleta let me know that Aleta was bringing dinner from Wednesday night church dinner, and she got here just in time! We were ready for this lovely meal! Aleta also brought me a beautiful prayer shawl (how did she remember my favorite colors!) from the ministry team.
Bill had his follow up appointment with the gastro doctor, which he was able to get to after bringing me home. The doctor gave him some anti-nausea medication, as well as set him up for an MRI on Friday morning (tomorrow).
So, yesterday I was totally fuzzy and cranky...today is a little better. I'm very very very grateful that I have co-workers and work support to be able to get some things done at home. AND, that they will cover for me and with me when I need. I'm a little scared (okay, a lot), that I will be asking MORE of this as time goes forward. Day at a time, though.
Thanks for the love! Sitting with my lap quilt from Georgia, and my prayer shawl from Vestavia. Covered in prayer.
6:00 a.m., found the right place to go in the North Pavilion, UAB. It's easy to forget about the North Pavilion when you are driving around UAB, because it's sooooo confusing how many buildings there are! But the North Pavilion is like the AAA of UAB. Beautiful entrance, better signage, and easier to get around.
After waiting a bit, I got to a room and had an IV put in. Then after waiting some more (with Bill in a private room), they took me to the procedure room. There were three other people in the room with me, the doctor, the nurse and then a tech guy. They were really good about telling me what was going to happen and what was happening. They marked the area where the biopsy needle would go in. The IV was enough of a buzz to allow me to close my eyes and relax. They put lidocaine (or whatever it's called that they numb up your mouth with when you get dental work done) in the area where the needle went in. And a sonogram was used to locate the place where they wanted to go with the needle.
If you've ever had your ears pierced, then you know that sound that happens with the needle gun going through your ear lobe. That's kinda what this needle sounded like. I think they took about 3-4 samples, and then I was done.
After waiting in the initial room for a while, I got moved back into a private room. I had been told before and at this time not to move for 4 hours. For whatever reason (!!!!), Bill didn't get pulled back into my room for about an hour. In fact, the doctor had come to check on me, and I told him that I had asked the nurses 3 times for Bill, and the doctor was the one who actually went to get him from the waiting room. That was service! Grateful for him and the concern he showed me!
So I dozed and watched some TV and didn't move until about 1:45. At that time I was able to get dressed and Bill picked me up in the car. The rest of the afternoon I just slept at home. Malinda and Aleta let me know that Aleta was bringing dinner from Wednesday night church dinner, and she got here just in time! We were ready for this lovely meal! Aleta also brought me a beautiful prayer shawl (how did she remember my favorite colors!) from the ministry team.
Bill had his follow up appointment with the gastro doctor, which he was able to get to after bringing me home. The doctor gave him some anti-nausea medication, as well as set him up for an MRI on Friday morning (tomorrow).
So, yesterday I was totally fuzzy and cranky...today is a little better. I'm very very very grateful that I have co-workers and work support to be able to get some things done at home. AND, that they will cover for me and with me when I need. I'm a little scared (okay, a lot), that I will be asking MORE of this as time goes forward. Day at a time, though.
Thanks for the love! Sitting with my lap quilt from Georgia, and my prayer shawl from Vestavia. Covered in prayer.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Rainy days and Mondays
It never rains but it pours.
1/7 of our lives are Mondays.
Everything is funny as long as it's happening to someone else. Or you have a day's perspective.
God writes a lot of comedy.
Soooooooo.....Monday afternoon, I got home after work to find Bill home at 4:30, which is early for him. He had been laying down because he wasn't feeling good. I made dinner, and about 5:15, he came down to sit, but said he wasn't hungry. After watching him sit there for about 30 minutes looking and sounding pitiful, I called Summit Express to see if they were still open (a doc-in-the-box experience). I was kinda worried that he had the flu or the stomach bug that's been going around, and I really didn't want to 'catch' it, and figured that if we could stop it early, it would be best.
Bill decided to drive himself, and got there right before closing. By 6:30, he called me and said that the doctor wanted him to go by ambulance to the hospital, considering that he was talking about tightness in the chest with the nausea and the doc didn't want to take any chances with heart attack possibilities.
I met Bill at the emergency room. After EKG, chest x-ray, and blood enzyme reviews, the doc didn't think that his nausea and chest constriction was heart related, but to rule that out, they needed to keep him overnight to continue checking blood enzymes and to have a stress test Tuesday morning. We got him settled in a room, and around 11:30 he was able to enjoy a turkey sandwich (with no food or liquids after midnight due to this morning's tests). If you know Bill, you know this part is important because, since he hadn't eaten since noon or so, he was pretty loopy from needing to eat!!
I came home after the sandwich was delivered and got a bit of sleep before getting back there around 7:15 this morning. In the meantime, Cathy Corley said she would go to the Kirklin appointment with me at 9:00 so I would have another pair of ears/eyes. Bill and I had determined that he would probably be in the stress test at that time, so I went forward with the appointment rather than reschedule.
Sure enough, about 8:15 they came to get Bill, and I got back in the car to meet Cathy at Kirklin. I got back to Brookwood at about 10:45, where he was resting from his testing. He said he had gotten the report that the test came back with no indication that his heart was at risk. Good news! This same kind of event happened about 7 years ago (tightness in chest/nausea), and he had to spend the night then again as well. He had been diagnosed with reflux and was placed on prescription which has worked very well for many years. This morning, we called that doctor again for a review of medications and to see if there may be additional things to do gastro-wise. He has an appointment with Dr. Denton on Wednesday at 3:00. At about 2:30 he was released from Brookwood, and we came home where he has been sleeping ever since!
I'm telling everyone that Bill was just feeling neglected and that he wanted some attention. Ha!!
At discharge time, the nurse said that if he felt the same way again, he needed to come back to the emergency room again because you never know...
His work colleagues were very supportive re: his managerial duties, and helped ease his mind about he was supposed to finish yesterday! And my peeps, as usual, would have done anything they needed to do. If I didn't contact you, it's only because things were basically under control and no news was no news until we knew something!
A big thank you to Cathy for being at Dr. Nabell's office with me. Some highlights of that meeting:
1. Nurse Nancy checked my port and said it looked perfect and showed me how they would be using it.
2. Received the pathology report from the sentinel node with the cancer that was taken 1.5 weeks ago. Good news in that it is NOT lymphoma. The other 2 nodes had no cancer in them. Based on the report, Dr. Nabell still wants an MRI of the chest which will give additional insights as to if there is a blip(s) of cancer in any of the breast tissue.
3. I'm paraphrasing here, but she basically said that she did not believe that the shadow on the liver would be anything but benign, but again, it's a necessary precaution.
4. Based on what she knows as of today, she still thinks the original treatment plan is appropriate, and is ready to schedule that. Obviously, if the liver information comes back differently, we would talk again. Since that procedure is tomorrow (Wednesday), she anticipates getting that info back Monday.
5. I will get a phone call today or tomorrow to schedule my first treatment, which will be probably Wednesday of next week (March 25). The regimen will be treatments once every two weeks for 4 treatments (8 weeks). Those treatments will consist of adriamycin and another one that I didn't write down! (But I'll make sure to ask the person who calls me for my appointment). After the 8 weeks, I will have weekly treatments of taxol for 12 weeks.
6. Dr. Nabell gave me some prescriptions for anti-nausea (anti-nausea protocol), and for a cranial prosthesis. Yes, that means a wig! The medication prescriptions I will start immediately following treatment. The hair issues will happen within/by the end of the initial 2 weeks.
So grateful for all the people who care about and for us.
1/7 of our lives are Mondays.
Everything is funny as long as it's happening to someone else. Or you have a day's perspective.
God writes a lot of comedy.
Soooooooo.....Monday afternoon, I got home after work to find Bill home at 4:30, which is early for him. He had been laying down because he wasn't feeling good. I made dinner, and about 5:15, he came down to sit, but said he wasn't hungry. After watching him sit there for about 30 minutes looking and sounding pitiful, I called Summit Express to see if they were still open (a doc-in-the-box experience). I was kinda worried that he had the flu or the stomach bug that's been going around, and I really didn't want to 'catch' it, and figured that if we could stop it early, it would be best.
Bill decided to drive himself, and got there right before closing. By 6:30, he called me and said that the doctor wanted him to go by ambulance to the hospital, considering that he was talking about tightness in the chest with the nausea and the doc didn't want to take any chances with heart attack possibilities.
I met Bill at the emergency room. After EKG, chest x-ray, and blood enzyme reviews, the doc didn't think that his nausea and chest constriction was heart related, but to rule that out, they needed to keep him overnight to continue checking blood enzymes and to have a stress test Tuesday morning. We got him settled in a room, and around 11:30 he was able to enjoy a turkey sandwich (with no food or liquids after midnight due to this morning's tests). If you know Bill, you know this part is important because, since he hadn't eaten since noon or so, he was pretty loopy from needing to eat!!
I came home after the sandwich was delivered and got a bit of sleep before getting back there around 7:15 this morning. In the meantime, Cathy Corley said she would go to the Kirklin appointment with me at 9:00 so I would have another pair of ears/eyes. Bill and I had determined that he would probably be in the stress test at that time, so I went forward with the appointment rather than reschedule.
Sure enough, about 8:15 they came to get Bill, and I got back in the car to meet Cathy at Kirklin. I got back to Brookwood at about 10:45, where he was resting from his testing. He said he had gotten the report that the test came back with no indication that his heart was at risk. Good news! This same kind of event happened about 7 years ago (tightness in chest/nausea), and he had to spend the night then again as well. He had been diagnosed with reflux and was placed on prescription which has worked very well for many years. This morning, we called that doctor again for a review of medications and to see if there may be additional things to do gastro-wise. He has an appointment with Dr. Denton on Wednesday at 3:00. At about 2:30 he was released from Brookwood, and we came home where he has been sleeping ever since!
I'm telling everyone that Bill was just feeling neglected and that he wanted some attention. Ha!!
At discharge time, the nurse said that if he felt the same way again, he needed to come back to the emergency room again because you never know...
His work colleagues were very supportive re: his managerial duties, and helped ease his mind about he was supposed to finish yesterday! And my peeps, as usual, would have done anything they needed to do. If I didn't contact you, it's only because things were basically under control and no news was no news until we knew something!
A big thank you to Cathy for being at Dr. Nabell's office with me. Some highlights of that meeting:
1. Nurse Nancy checked my port and said it looked perfect and showed me how they would be using it.
2. Received the pathology report from the sentinel node with the cancer that was taken 1.5 weeks ago. Good news in that it is NOT lymphoma. The other 2 nodes had no cancer in them. Based on the report, Dr. Nabell still wants an MRI of the chest which will give additional insights as to if there is a blip(s) of cancer in any of the breast tissue.
3. I'm paraphrasing here, but she basically said that she did not believe that the shadow on the liver would be anything but benign, but again, it's a necessary precaution.
4. Based on what she knows as of today, she still thinks the original treatment plan is appropriate, and is ready to schedule that. Obviously, if the liver information comes back differently, we would talk again. Since that procedure is tomorrow (Wednesday), she anticipates getting that info back Monday.
5. I will get a phone call today or tomorrow to schedule my first treatment, which will be probably Wednesday of next week (March 25). The regimen will be treatments once every two weeks for 4 treatments (8 weeks). Those treatments will consist of adriamycin and another one that I didn't write down! (But I'll make sure to ask the person who calls me for my appointment). After the 8 weeks, I will have weekly treatments of taxol for 12 weeks.
6. Dr. Nabell gave me some prescriptions for anti-nausea (anti-nausea protocol), and for a cranial prosthesis. Yes, that means a wig! The medication prescriptions I will start immediately following treatment. The hair issues will happen within/by the end of the initial 2 weeks.
So grateful for all the people who care about and for us.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Saturday South of Nashville
It's been a long time since we've gone on a day road trip by 5:30 a.m. but we did it this morning! We drove up to Spring Hill, TN to watch Ben's ensemble rehearsal first thing, and then the Music City Mystique performance at 1:00 (with coffee and biscuit in-between!).
The show gets better each weekend...I just saw it two weeks ago and they've changed things even since then! Unfortunately, the electronics messed up and never got connected, which meant that a lot of the cool sounds were missed. But the audience still loved the show. I could watch it all day long.
After the kids loaded the equipment onto the truck, we were able to take Ben for a late lunch. Ben went back for rehearsal til about 10 tonight. They'll finish rehearsing Sunday morning for about 5 hours. After lunch, we were back on the road to get back home around 5:30. A good day!
Plans are still set for this coming week. Tuesday morning, we meet with Dr. Nabell. As of Friday, we hadn't gotten the results of the frozen slice of the tumor, so maybe Tuesday we'll know more about that.
Kirklin Clinic called me to let me know that they didn't have an earlier time for the next biopsy, so Wednesday morning it is. They've been good about calling to verify that I have the info, and I also got a letter of "information for the day of your procedure."
Fortunately, Bill doesn't have playing duties on Wednesday, and he can get someone to cover his management duties. We'll get to the North Pavilion at UAB hospital by 6:00 a.m. The note says to allow 6-8 hours total from time of arrival to time of discharge. That's a long day!
That's all I know for now. I'll leave you with two readings that I found this week - one was sent to me by a friend in my Bible study group, and the other was posted on FB.
Peace out!
Denise
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Back to Work
It was good to get back to a full day at work today! And so very nice to be happy, busy, and working with people I genuinely care for. I'm a lucky person!
Dr. Nabell called me this morning to talk about the scans I had done yesterday. The bone scan was fine. It showed what I already knew about my hip (leg bone in hip socket). Orthopedic doc told me a couple of years ago that I had arthritis in the hip and would probably be a candidate for hip replacement (but I'm too young now!). The chest exam was fine.
The CT scan showed a couple of shadows in the liver, with the largest being on the right side. Dr. Nabell said that the radiology department is VERY aggressive when they believe something is cancerous. They were NOT aggressive in their comments to Dr. Nabell as they can't tell if it's meaningful or not. SO, this means that I go in for a liver biopsy. They will use cat scan guidance to see where the needle goes (outpatient but with IV sedation).
Now, STOP RIGHT NOW and promise me that you will NOT go on the Internet to search for liver cancer or ANYTHING ELSE!! (You know who you are!) I am not looking on the Internet for things I don't know I have or for a diagnosis that has not been made. We have no use for information that is not relevant so don't go looking for it! Promise me!
Since I've gotten that off my chest, I can let you know that the appointment has been made for next Wednesday morning, March 18 at 6:00 a.m. at UAB North Tower. I DID fuss a little bit about having to wait another week, since I've already gone 2.5 weeks without a plan!! I need a plan!! The scheduling nurse said she would ask if there could be an earlier time, or maybe someone will cancel to let me slide in early. So, we may have to wait til Wednesday, or maybe it can be done earlier.
Okay, better news now:
The initial look at the two additional lymph nodes that were taken last Thursday showed no sign of cancer. Yay! The frozen node results have not been received yet.
AND, the BRAC Analysis came back negative! That's the genetic testing results. That's good news. Means no additional risk for the close or extended family, just to take normal precautions and regular doctor visits.
I am waiting for the day where I can just write that treatments are going normally and well and I'm on track for the next treatment!
If you have signed up for email notifications of blog posts, I just changed the notification time to be 7-9 PM CST. The default setting is for first thing in the morning. So, if I don't post something til after 9 CST, you won't be notified until the next evening. I'm learning!
Peace out! Love you guys!
Dr. Nabell called me this morning to talk about the scans I had done yesterday. The bone scan was fine. It showed what I already knew about my hip (leg bone in hip socket). Orthopedic doc told me a couple of years ago that I had arthritis in the hip and would probably be a candidate for hip replacement (but I'm too young now!). The chest exam was fine.
The CT scan showed a couple of shadows in the liver, with the largest being on the right side. Dr. Nabell said that the radiology department is VERY aggressive when they believe something is cancerous. They were NOT aggressive in their comments to Dr. Nabell as they can't tell if it's meaningful or not. SO, this means that I go in for a liver biopsy. They will use cat scan guidance to see where the needle goes (outpatient but with IV sedation).
Now, STOP RIGHT NOW and promise me that you will NOT go on the Internet to search for liver cancer or ANYTHING ELSE!! (You know who you are!) I am not looking on the Internet for things I don't know I have or for a diagnosis that has not been made. We have no use for information that is not relevant so don't go looking for it! Promise me!
Since I've gotten that off my chest, I can let you know that the appointment has been made for next Wednesday morning, March 18 at 6:00 a.m. at UAB North Tower. I DID fuss a little bit about having to wait another week, since I've already gone 2.5 weeks without a plan!! I need a plan!! The scheduling nurse said she would ask if there could be an earlier time, or maybe someone will cancel to let me slide in early. So, we may have to wait til Wednesday, or maybe it can be done earlier.
Okay, better news now:
The initial look at the two additional lymph nodes that were taken last Thursday showed no sign of cancer. Yay! The frozen node results have not been received yet.
AND, the BRAC Analysis came back negative! That's the genetic testing results. That's good news. Means no additional risk for the close or extended family, just to take normal precautions and regular doctor visits.
I am waiting for the day where I can just write that treatments are going normally and well and I'm on track for the next treatment!
If you have signed up for email notifications of blog posts, I just changed the notification time to be 7-9 PM CST. The default setting is for first thing in the morning. So, if I don't post something til after 9 CST, you won't be notified until the next evening. I'm learning!
Peace out! Love you guys!
Monday, March 9, 2015
Gratitude
Before you read anything more, I'd love for you to stop and go to this page and read this amazingly beautiful post that I just happened up on Facebook (as if things "just happen!").
The One Thing We All Want to Know
The Step Stool Smile. Just. Wow.
I was thinking about which part I wanted to quote here, and I have way too many things that I think are fantastic about this whole idea of wanting to know how we're getting home.
For me, the concept of sometimes I'm the smiler and sometimes I'm the one who wants to look away speaks truth. Being the smiler or looking away comes pretty naturally. NOT looking away can be difficult or challenging, depending on the moment, the day or the experience. Going through this experience has only just begun to make me excruciatingly aware that I am not so comfortable being dependent or accepting when being offered support.
I am grateful and appreciative and will work very hard at not looking away!
That being said, right now for me, being home means that my friends and family continue with their snarky humor, that we can gossip about what the neighbors are saying or doing, that you and I figure out how to show our passion about social justice and missions, that when we scrapbook we ooh and aah over each others families and photos, that we go out for breakfast, lunch, coffee, or a drink (or even bowling with pizza and beer), that I can tell you about all the movies I (and maybe we) have seen, that maybe you still go to scary movies with me where we can laugh and scare each other for days afterwards, that we plan on going to see Anne Lamott when she comes to Birmingham, that we travel when we are able, that we share what we think about the latest Scandal TV show, that we go to plays and musicals, that we are rebels in any way that we can!
Things may change, but I don't want our relationships to (except to get better!)!
So, what's happened today?
Fair Warning! I totally get if the info I put out there gets to be too much information. You are hereby released from reading in detail about any of the particulars that I post. This is simply for my ability to chronicle what's happening for the folks who like that kind of thing (which also includes me!).
This morning, I made my 2 planned phone calls from home: one to Brookwood diagnostic center to tell them I needed a disk of the mammogram and ultrasound to take to Kirklin Clinic by this afternoon, and the other to check in with Kirklin about my scans for this afternoon.
Good thing I called...somehow I missed a call or I was supposed to call last week, but they wanted me to be at UAB by 8:00 (not mid afternoon like I thought) for the dye injections for the nuclear scans. Since it was already 8:30 by the time I called, I jumped in and out of the shower, and we flew down to UAB. Thank goodness Bill was flexible today! (I have the feeling I'll be saying that a lot!).
Bill dropped me off at Jefferson Tower, UAB Hospital. That's where I got the injection. After that, it was going to be a 3 hour wait for the dye to get through my system, so I checked in with Kirklin again, and we walked over to Kirklin for the CT scan. That was an interesting experience. While getting checked in, I had a great conversation with Crystal, the intake nurse. I was told that the scan included drinking 2 glasses of contrast liquid (tasted like water). Then Crystal said that after an initial scan, I'd have another scan after receiving an injection in an IV.
(Note to self: if you weren't sure that you liked needles or not, you DON'T!!)
She said that my reaction to the injection would be a metallic taste in the back of my mouth, then a warm flush like a hot flash (yep, I know what those are like), and then I would feel like I was urinating but I really wasn't. What? Say that again? Yep, that's how women feel. Men have reported their testicles tingly. Hmm. Wouldn't have guessed that.
All of that reaction in a minute or so, then done.
And that's pretty much how it went. All told, relatively quick. At that point, Bill and I walked to the car and flew back to Brookwood to pick up the requested disk information. That was at 12:00, and we were back at UAB for my 12:30 arrival. Bill took the disks to Dr. Nabell's office. UAB was VERY timely (THANK YOU!) about calling me back so the dye was optimal. I was taken to the not yet opened brand new nuclear medicine floor for the latest machinery, etc. Krenisha told me that she had been working on the floor for about 2 weeks, and that everyone was going to be moving to that floor in the next 3 weeks. That machine was like a donut...I laid down (both scans fully clothed in case you were wondering), and the table that I laid on moved back and forth. About 20 minutes total. We walked out of the office at about 1:30.
Krenisha said that the scans were already sent to the radiologist who would be looking at everything this afternoon and would be getting back to Dr. Nabell. She said it was probably not likely that I would hear anything today, but I will call Tuesday morning to find out when we can meet up for results. As of right now, there are no results posted on my online Patient Portal.
We were STARVING afterwards (no food only water for me and Bill sat patiently after his regularly scheduled oatmeal breakfast), so we went to Fish Market...a huge advantage to being at Kirklin since it's across the street! Nirvana! And, yes, I had a dessert of key lime pie because I was rewarding myself.
I'm drinking as much water as possible to flush all that crap out of my system. It was a lot longer day than either of us expected, but it's a relief to have this part done. Based on what Dr. Nabell said last week, I will most likely have an MRI also, to complement the mammography. Not scheduled yet.
So, with a lost work day, Bill is on his computer and I'm on mine...since we finished eating at 2:30, we won't really need dinner tonight! Soup probably, as a good comfort food after the comfort of Fish Market!
No news continues to be no news. Grateful that Dr. Nabell said not to be challenged by the uncertainty of the lymph node last week. Grateful that my husband is caring and loving and funny and knows me so well. Grateful that my family is there for me. Grateful that my friends are also there for me.
Love you! Denise
The One Thing We All Want to Know
The Step Stool Smile. Just. Wow.
I was thinking about which part I wanted to quote here, and I have way too many things that I think are fantastic about this whole idea of wanting to know how we're getting home.
For me, the concept of sometimes I'm the smiler and sometimes I'm the one who wants to look away speaks truth. Being the smiler or looking away comes pretty naturally. NOT looking away can be difficult or challenging, depending on the moment, the day or the experience. Going through this experience has only just begun to make me excruciatingly aware that I am not so comfortable being dependent or accepting when being offered support.
I am grateful and appreciative and will work very hard at not looking away!
That being said, right now for me, being home means that my friends and family continue with their snarky humor, that we can gossip about what the neighbors are saying or doing, that you and I figure out how to show our passion about social justice and missions, that when we scrapbook we ooh and aah over each others families and photos, that we go out for breakfast, lunch, coffee, or a drink (or even bowling with pizza and beer), that I can tell you about all the movies I (and maybe we) have seen, that maybe you still go to scary movies with me where we can laugh and scare each other for days afterwards, that we plan on going to see Anne Lamott when she comes to Birmingham, that we travel when we are able, that we share what we think about the latest Scandal TV show, that we go to plays and musicals, that we are rebels in any way that we can!
Things may change, but I don't want our relationships to (except to get better!)!
So, what's happened today?
Fair Warning! I totally get if the info I put out there gets to be too much information. You are hereby released from reading in detail about any of the particulars that I post. This is simply for my ability to chronicle what's happening for the folks who like that kind of thing (which also includes me!).
This morning, I made my 2 planned phone calls from home: one to Brookwood diagnostic center to tell them I needed a disk of the mammogram and ultrasound to take to Kirklin Clinic by this afternoon, and the other to check in with Kirklin about my scans for this afternoon.
Good thing I called...somehow I missed a call or I was supposed to call last week, but they wanted me to be at UAB by 8:00 (not mid afternoon like I thought) for the dye injections for the nuclear scans. Since it was already 8:30 by the time I called, I jumped in and out of the shower, and we flew down to UAB. Thank goodness Bill was flexible today! (I have the feeling I'll be saying that a lot!).
Bill dropped me off at Jefferson Tower, UAB Hospital. That's where I got the injection. After that, it was going to be a 3 hour wait for the dye to get through my system, so I checked in with Kirklin again, and we walked over to Kirklin for the CT scan. That was an interesting experience. While getting checked in, I had a great conversation with Crystal, the intake nurse. I was told that the scan included drinking 2 glasses of contrast liquid (tasted like water). Then Crystal said that after an initial scan, I'd have another scan after receiving an injection in an IV.
(Note to self: if you weren't sure that you liked needles or not, you DON'T!!)
She said that my reaction to the injection would be a metallic taste in the back of my mouth, then a warm flush like a hot flash (yep, I know what those are like), and then I would feel like I was urinating but I really wasn't. What? Say that again? Yep, that's how women feel. Men have reported their testicles tingly. Hmm. Wouldn't have guessed that.
All of that reaction in a minute or so, then done.
And that's pretty much how it went. All told, relatively quick. At that point, Bill and I walked to the car and flew back to Brookwood to pick up the requested disk information. That was at 12:00, and we were back at UAB for my 12:30 arrival. Bill took the disks to Dr. Nabell's office. UAB was VERY timely (THANK YOU!) about calling me back so the dye was optimal. I was taken to the not yet opened brand new nuclear medicine floor for the latest machinery, etc. Krenisha told me that she had been working on the floor for about 2 weeks, and that everyone was going to be moving to that floor in the next 3 weeks. That machine was like a donut...I laid down (both scans fully clothed in case you were wondering), and the table that I laid on moved back and forth. About 20 minutes total. We walked out of the office at about 1:30.
Krenisha said that the scans were already sent to the radiologist who would be looking at everything this afternoon and would be getting back to Dr. Nabell. She said it was probably not likely that I would hear anything today, but I will call Tuesday morning to find out when we can meet up for results. As of right now, there are no results posted on my online Patient Portal.
We were STARVING afterwards (no food only water for me and Bill sat patiently after his regularly scheduled oatmeal breakfast), so we went to Fish Market...a huge advantage to being at Kirklin since it's across the street! Nirvana! And, yes, I had a dessert of key lime pie because I was rewarding myself.
I'm drinking as much water as possible to flush all that crap out of my system. It was a lot longer day than either of us expected, but it's a relief to have this part done. Based on what Dr. Nabell said last week, I will most likely have an MRI also, to complement the mammography. Not scheduled yet.
So, with a lost work day, Bill is on his computer and I'm on mine...since we finished eating at 2:30, we won't really need dinner tonight! Soup probably, as a good comfort food after the comfort of Fish Market!
No news continues to be no news. Grateful that Dr. Nabell said not to be challenged by the uncertainty of the lymph node last week. Grateful that my husband is caring and loving and funny and knows me so well. Grateful that my family is there for me. Grateful that my friends are also there for me.
Love you! Denise
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