Can't believe that I haven't posted anything for about a week. Shame on me. Nothing really new to report. Did have visit with my oncologist on Thursday to check on discomfort in right breat and arm. Swollen a bit, and he has prescribed an antibiotic for me. Possible infection brewing, warm to his touch. Could also be lymphedema related which does sound like it to me. That is connected to the ulna nerve which runs down to the hand. Probably why I've had tingling feeling in pinky and palm area. Haven't been able to sleep as good as I would like since I usually sleep on my right side, and that's been uncomfortable. I try not to "whine" as I can't imagine what Barry is feeling daily.
Friday night Tim went to an away football game. I stayed home. Too wet for me. The band ended up staying on the bus for most of the time. They played in the bleechers at 1/2 time. About 16 songs. The other team's own band didn't even attend. It was about 1 1/2 hrs. away. The whole time he was gone I was worrying about how cold and wet he was. So I was glad to know he was OK. The team won again. Undefeated and I believe they will be going to playoffs.
This past weekend has been very windy and rainy. Yesterday for about 5 minutes we had hail like snow storm, and wind so strong it was making it go sideways. Strange weather.
Last night Tim went to his first concert near Pittsburgh with a fellow classmate. Her father drove them there. Was able to see 4 small bands perform. Had a great time. All for $10. You can't beat that price. He was so cute in telling me of the concert.
Today I did some lawn work, picked up so many leaves. Sun was out most of the day. Still windy though. I love being outside.
This Friday I go for a repeat MUGA scan on my heart. Last one was done 6 months ago. The good thing about this test is the technician. Nice cute guy. He was there about a month ago when Barry had his test done. So am hoping he is still there now.
Tim has finished outdoor soccer (yeah) and will have his first indoor soccer game this Wednesday. Looking forward to it. Only 1 hour and inside where it's warm. You can't beat that.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Another weekend over
All in all it was a nice weekend. We went to local football game on Friday night, they won again. Undefeated with record being 8-0 I believe. And of course, a chance to see Tim and the band perform which I enjoy. It was another evening of conversing with friends non-stop. It was a bit chilly at the game. Wish we had worn hats. I did hop into the hottub afterwards.
Yesterday a.m. the band performed for homecoming for the local college. It was really nice. Lots of people down our little main street. Barry bought new digital camera so he was taking a lot of pictures Friday night and yesterday morning. I was glad to see him so excited about having this new camera. He'll be able to zoom in closer than we've ever been able to. Wasn't on my top 10 things to buy, but with everything going on in his life he truly deserved it. My end thought was go for it, enjoy yourself.
Last night we went out to dinner again with 2 other couples and their kids. Went to a new restaurant which is always nice to check out. Especially when the food is good. All the time we lived elsewhere we never went out with other couples like here. Again, we are so blessed to be here.
About the only thing accomplished today was church. But then, it is Sunday which is a day of rest. Cooked a pork loin for lunch and Barry returned to work after being off for his chemo treatment. Tim played his usual Sunday game of racquetball with is friends. When he came home, we both took naps. Now some may say 3 hours is no nap! But boy did we sleep. Hadn't had such a sleep in a long time.
This week I have appt. with doctor to set up colonoscopy for myself, and a follow-up appt. with my oncologist. My finger, palm and arm area are much better. I self diagnosed it to possibly be ulna nerve. This job has entailed a lot of data entry which I am not used to. And am using a desk that is not really set for such a job. Just took it easy on Friday, noticing that the hand hurt when doing the typing. Trying to change the way I type while there.
Just want to say thanks for anyone who does read this blog. There are often days that I don't feel like writing anything, but when I get a posting from someone I realize that hey, there actually is someone reading this. And some days I just have nothing to say. So thanks for reading and caring.
PS. Dr. G is Barry's doctor from Pittsburgh. Touched my heart to know that he had the time to even read this, and to post a comment was so special. Thanks.
Yesterday a.m. the band performed for homecoming for the local college. It was really nice. Lots of people down our little main street. Barry bought new digital camera so he was taking a lot of pictures Friday night and yesterday morning. I was glad to see him so excited about having this new camera. He'll be able to zoom in closer than we've ever been able to. Wasn't on my top 10 things to buy, but with everything going on in his life he truly deserved it. My end thought was go for it, enjoy yourself.
Last night we went out to dinner again with 2 other couples and their kids. Went to a new restaurant which is always nice to check out. Especially when the food is good. All the time we lived elsewhere we never went out with other couples like here. Again, we are so blessed to be here.
About the only thing accomplished today was church. But then, it is Sunday which is a day of rest. Cooked a pork loin for lunch and Barry returned to work after being off for his chemo treatment. Tim played his usual Sunday game of racquetball with is friends. When he came home, we both took naps. Now some may say 3 hours is no nap! But boy did we sleep. Hadn't had such a sleep in a long time.
This week I have appt. with doctor to set up colonoscopy for myself, and a follow-up appt. with my oncologist. My finger, palm and arm area are much better. I self diagnosed it to possibly be ulna nerve. This job has entailed a lot of data entry which I am not used to. And am using a desk that is not really set for such a job. Just took it easy on Friday, noticing that the hand hurt when doing the typing. Trying to change the way I type while there.
Just want to say thanks for anyone who does read this blog. There are often days that I don't feel like writing anything, but when I get a posting from someone I realize that hey, there actually is someone reading this. And some days I just have nothing to say. So thanks for reading and caring.
PS. Dr. G is Barry's doctor from Pittsburgh. Touched my heart to know that he had the time to even read this, and to post a comment was so special. Thanks.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Barry meets with lung surgeon soon
Barry has been scheduled to see lung surgeon on November 10th. Had been set up for next Friday, but had to change it since he has to work. The appt. is at the Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh. I'm taking time off from my work to go with him. It's a consultation so am looking forward to talking with an expert. Possible biopsy to show or not show if he has cancer of the lung.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Nothing wrong
I've noticed that my right breast has been sore lately, especially since I sleep on that side. Been restless before falling asleep. So yesterday I made an appt. with oncologist for next week. Last night during the evening, my right arm became very heavy feeling, as if asleep with tingling in the fingers. Realizing that I had lymph nodes removed and of course breast cancer, I made another call to cancer center and was seen this morning. Not by my usual doctor though.
Didn't feel that great about this dr. He did notice that the breast was a bit puffy, larger in size than the other. Did quick touch of it and sort of just wrote it off as nothing. I did ask him for more thorough exam on table which he did quickly. Says it is scar tissue, not consistent feeling with anything else. Didn't even check the whole breast. As for my arm, he made an appt. for me at the hospital, which I went directly to for a ultrasound of the veins (neck to hand). This ruled out blood clot. Negative, everything was fine.
My arm from elbow to fingers, especially pinky, still feel so heavy and weird. The cancer center told me that my regular doctor will call me tomorrow. Not sure what is up, just know that this pain in my breast and arms is new. I am not taking anything for it, don't want to mask it. Probably is nothing but with already having cancer, I am not gambling. Just know that I'm not imagining it.
As for Barry, today he was in the most pain he has ever been in for some reason. Pain is in his side area. And he is so tough, will not take prescription pain killer. Just takes alleve. But for him to complain, I know it must hurt. And we wonder what is causing this discomfort since the tumors seem to remain the same size.
Didn't feel that great about this dr. He did notice that the breast was a bit puffy, larger in size than the other. Did quick touch of it and sort of just wrote it off as nothing. I did ask him for more thorough exam on table which he did quickly. Says it is scar tissue, not consistent feeling with anything else. Didn't even check the whole breast. As for my arm, he made an appt. for me at the hospital, which I went directly to for a ultrasound of the veins (neck to hand). This ruled out blood clot. Negative, everything was fine.
My arm from elbow to fingers, especially pinky, still feel so heavy and weird. The cancer center told me that my regular doctor will call me tomorrow. Not sure what is up, just know that this pain in my breast and arms is new. I am not taking anything for it, don't want to mask it. Probably is nothing but with already having cancer, I am not gambling. Just know that I'm not imagining it.
As for Barry, today he was in the most pain he has ever been in for some reason. Pain is in his side area. And he is so tough, will not take prescription pain killer. Just takes alleve. But for him to complain, I know it must hurt. And we wonder what is causing this discomfort since the tumors seem to remain the same size.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
No news is good news
Sorry I haven't posted in past couple of days. Nothing really new happening. Barry's been sleeping about 2 hrs. at a time at night, combination of chemo and steroids.
Tim's been doing his soccer which involves daily after school practice, and about 3 games a week. He also plays in the band each Friday for the school football game. He keeps himself busy. Hard to believe that next year he will be driving.
Had our first snow flurries today. Temps in high 30's and very windy. Geez, I am not looking forward to cold weather.
That's it for now.
Tim's been doing his soccer which involves daily after school practice, and about 3 games a week. He also plays in the band each Friday for the school football game. He keeps himself busy. Hard to believe that next year he will be driving.
Had our first snow flurries today. Temps in high 30's and very windy. Geez, I am not looking forward to cold weather.
That's it for now.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Another survivor....
Just got finished doing some web surfing and came upon this story. A local 16 year old sophomore attends homecoming court. Here is an excerpt from the article:
Taylor is in the ninth month of an exhausting yet courageous battle for life. It was in mid-January that, following a bout with heartburn and loss of appetite, the Neshannock junior varsity cheerleader was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of the soft tissues and muscles. Six days after Taylor was diagnosed, an aggressive yearlong regimen of chemotherapy was devised, and within days, she began to lose her shoulder-length blonde hair. On May 1, she underwent exploratory surgery to remove a tumor, followed by 16 days of radiation, which made her so ill she couldn't even sit up.
"Cancer patients talk about how chemo makes them sick, but she's handled the chemo pretty well," her mother, Andi, said. "It was the radiation that made her the sickest."
Her already petite 98-pound body shrunk to 80 pounds, and while she is up to 110 pounds, Andi estimates her daughter has spent 80 percent of the last nine months in Children's, limiting the homebound instruction she can receive.
*********************
She is like I was, rather go bald than wear a wig. And that's how she went to the dance. You do gain strength through all this stuff. My prayers go out to her.
Taylor is in the ninth month of an exhausting yet courageous battle for life. It was in mid-January that, following a bout with heartburn and loss of appetite, the Neshannock junior varsity cheerleader was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of the soft tissues and muscles. Six days after Taylor was diagnosed, an aggressive yearlong regimen of chemotherapy was devised, and within days, she began to lose her shoulder-length blonde hair. On May 1, she underwent exploratory surgery to remove a tumor, followed by 16 days of radiation, which made her so ill she couldn't even sit up.
"Cancer patients talk about how chemo makes them sick, but she's handled the chemo pretty well," her mother, Andi, said. "It was the radiation that made her the sickest."
Her already petite 98-pound body shrunk to 80 pounds, and while she is up to 110 pounds, Andi estimates her daughter has spent 80 percent of the last nine months in Children's, limiting the homebound instruction she can receive.
*********************
She is like I was, rather go bald than wear a wig. And that's how she went to the dance. You do gain strength through all this stuff. My prayers go out to her.
Meeting with liver transplant doctor
This morning we met with a liver transplant doctor before Barry was discharged. Dr. Marsh is affiliated with Dr. G. who has been treating Barry since February. This was our first meeting with him since Dr. G. was out of town at a conference. It was a very interesting meeting, a chance to pick his very smart brain. People from all around, including out of the USA come to this Transplant unit for transplants. So we are very fortunate to be able to even discuss such matters. Here is some stuff to think about:
The spots on his lungs: they look like cancer, but I do not believe they have ever been biopsied. Has only had liver biopsy that shows a specific rare type cancer. Has recommended a biopsy, with low risk, to try to get some tissue for true diagnosis. The reason is this: a liver transplant would not be an option for Barry if cancer is present in lungs since his immune system would be altered with the transplant, therefore allowing the lung cancer to grow. All these months, the spots on the lungs and tumors in liver have not changed in size. And remember this, the lungs have not been treated with chemo since February. So if we do the biopsy, perhaps when he has his next 8 week chemo, the results would at least give us some direction to take. Lots to think over.
On another topic. I have been following another blog. The address is
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5497708
Very interesting to read about someone else. He has brain cancer I believe. A news reporter. I subscribe to get his blog update daily via email. I often post on his blog, as I know how much I appreciate that done on my blog.
Tim has gone to homecoming dance tonight. Actually went by himself. Am even more proud of him to know that he is comfortable in his skin to do that. Have heard there are quite a few kids that do this. Has gone out to dinner with about 6 other couples, all friends of each other. He looked so nice, along with the other couples. Heck, next year he will be able to drive himself there! Getting too old so quickly. I am just so glad that Barry was able to see if go tonight.
Oh, by the way. Barry is doing fine. Was given morphine up until he was discharged. And since being home has been feeling good. Always good to be in your own surroundings, without nurses bothering you. In our 5 times at being at this hospital, there has not been one specific nurse that stands out. I think of this as I think of my sister Maureen who is one of those stand out nurses. Maybe she could transfer to Pittsburgh for one of Barry's treatments!!!
The spots on his lungs: they look like cancer, but I do not believe they have ever been biopsied. Has only had liver biopsy that shows a specific rare type cancer. Has recommended a biopsy, with low risk, to try to get some tissue for true diagnosis. The reason is this: a liver transplant would not be an option for Barry if cancer is present in lungs since his immune system would be altered with the transplant, therefore allowing the lung cancer to grow. All these months, the spots on the lungs and tumors in liver have not changed in size. And remember this, the lungs have not been treated with chemo since February. So if we do the biopsy, perhaps when he has his next 8 week chemo, the results would at least give us some direction to take. Lots to think over.
On another topic. I have been following another blog. The address is
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5497708
Very interesting to read about someone else. He has brain cancer I believe. A news reporter. I subscribe to get his blog update daily via email. I often post on his blog, as I know how much I appreciate that done on my blog.
Tim has gone to homecoming dance tonight. Actually went by himself. Am even more proud of him to know that he is comfortable in his skin to do that. Have heard there are quite a few kids that do this. Has gone out to dinner with about 6 other couples, all friends of each other. He looked so nice, along with the other couples. Heck, next year he will be able to drive himself there! Getting too old so quickly. I am just so glad that Barry was able to see if go tonight.
Oh, by the way. Barry is doing fine. Was given morphine up until he was discharged. And since being home has been feeling good. Always good to be in your own surroundings, without nurses bothering you. In our 5 times at being at this hospital, there has not been one specific nurse that stands out. I think of this as I think of my sister Maureen who is one of those stand out nurses. Maybe she could transfer to Pittsburgh for one of Barry's treatments!!!
Friday, October 06, 2006
Barry's 5th Chemo is complete!
I am bloggin' from the Family House, a place where families of patients can stay. My second time staying here. I've just left the hospital, since being there at 6 a.m. Barry got to his room at 2:30 p.m. after a morning of waiting and CT scans. The good news is that there has been no change in the tumors. A blessing. One could wish for shrinkage, but after you've been through cancer you are happy to hear no change.
Barry basically slept all afternoon. Has not eaten anything. Did have the pain like he did 2 cycles ago, but was able to sleep in between. Has been getting pain meds every 3 hrs.
I'll head back to hospital in a.m. Can't wait for my jammies. Am using a computer in a small room, but at least I'm online.
Night. Thanks for all your prayers. PS> My sister wrote me. One year ago was my last radiation treatment!
Barry basically slept all afternoon. Has not eaten anything. Did have the pain like he did 2 cycles ago, but was able to sleep in between. Has been getting pain meds every 3 hrs.
I'll head back to hospital in a.m. Can't wait for my jammies. Am using a computer in a small room, but at least I'm online.
Night. Thanks for all your prayers. PS> My sister wrote me. One year ago was my last radiation treatment!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Article on MSNBC.COM today:
'Chemo brain' can last up to 10 years
Cancer treatment has longterm impact on mental function, study finds.........
Experts estimate at least 25 percent of chemotherapy patients are affected by symptoms of confusion, so-called chemo brain, and a recent study by the University of Minnesota reported an 82 percent rate, the statement said.
"People with 'chemo brain' often can't focus, remember things or multitask the way they did before chemotherapy," Silverman said. "Our study demonstrates for the first time that patients suffering from these cognitive symptoms have specific alterations in brain metabolism."
The study, published on Thursday in the online edition of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, tested 21 women who had surgery to remove breast tumors, 16 of whom had received chemotherapy and five who had not.
***********************************
Barry goes for his 5th chemo treatment tomorrow. We are anxious to learn results of his CT scans tomorrow since he's been experiencing pain near the cancer area. Am praying for positive results..
'Chemo brain' can last up to 10 years
Cancer treatment has longterm impact on mental function, study finds.........
Experts estimate at least 25 percent of chemotherapy patients are affected by symptoms of confusion, so-called chemo brain, and a recent study by the University of Minnesota reported an 82 percent rate, the statement said.
"People with 'chemo brain' often can't focus, remember things or multitask the way they did before chemotherapy," Silverman said. "Our study demonstrates for the first time that patients suffering from these cognitive symptoms have specific alterations in brain metabolism."
The study, published on Thursday in the online edition of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, tested 21 women who had surgery to remove breast tumors, 16 of whom had received chemotherapy and five who had not.
***********************************
Barry goes for his 5th chemo treatment tomorrow. We are anxious to learn results of his CT scans tomorrow since he's been experiencing pain near the cancer area. Am praying for positive results..
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