Thursday, July 31, 2008

No pain relief

Had hoped to have some relief, but there is none. Perhaps it's too soon. Will be seeing chiropractor tomorrow p.m. to talk with him of the results.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

I didn't realize she had dealt with breast cancer last year.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21350469/


I never realized until just now that Hoda Kotb, the co-anchor of the 3rd hour of Today show with Kathie Lee, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 07 and went through a mastectomy. If you check out the above link you will see the interview she did with Ann Curry on Today show in Oct. 07 which touched my heart.

Key things were mentioned by her that I agree with:

Don't hog your journey. Hence, my blog is how I deal with cancer. My life's an open book.

You can't scare me.

FORWARD.

Cancer survivors have clarity.


Take the time and check it out.

First visit to chiropractor today

I went and saw chiropractor this a.m. He did electro muscle stimulation on my shoulder area. Felt weird but relaxing, and lasted for 15 minutes. He then used a tool that resembled a rolling pin and rolled my "scapula" (unsure of spelling) where it is tight and sore. This hurt a bit and I hope it will work out in the long run. Area needed to be stretched. And lastly, he adjusted the top part of my back with a hammer like instrument, that lightly clicks/pushes the area he sees as having an issue. That didn't hurt at all. At one time he said to lie down on my stomach, I explained that has not happened since my chest resection in Nov. 2007. In fact I brought him all my medical papers I had to show my history. Have to show caution where the cement plate is in my chest.

Am hopeful these treatments work. Next one is this Friday p.m. Can't wait to feel relief.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

CT Scan results..

Had chemo today and got my CT scan results: Not surprised that there was growth in lungs due to the months I was not given chemo due to brain tumor. Cancer got the upper hand then. The report makes note of 2 spots that both increased in size:
one was 5X8 mm and is now 7X10 mm and the other one increased from 4X4 mm to 13X17 mm.

My new treatment plan will be 2 weeks on chemo, followed by 1 week off. This is due to the fact I have never been able to get 3 treatments in anyway previously. A little adjustment is being made. I think in the long run I will be receiving more chemo.

I can't remember exactly how long she said it will be for the next CT scans. Too much input today. She also gave me a return back to work note for next Monday.

She did prescribe me ibuprofen 600 mg. for my shoulder/back that has been causing me daily problems. I don't believe I am doing this but I have an appt. with chiropractor tomorrow a.m. Am just grasping for some comfort. Like I said before, cancer (so far) I can deal with but shoulder/back I can't.

MRI Brain test results

This is exact quote from doctor:

good. 1 spot smaller, 1 stable which is good

-----------------------------------

First of all this is not what I had expected. I thought cyberknife was going to destroy the spot. I have since emailed him about this. In reading this I take it to mean I still have 2 spots in my brain, and I'm not sure if they are cancerous. And size isn't mentioned. And what if any is the next plan?

==========================================================================
I just got this email moments ago from doctor: 3:15 p.m.

No. The 1 was removed & we treated the area as a precaution, & the other spot we treated. The radiation works very slowly, so it does not disappear & there usually is some scar tissue, so often we will always see something there. The important thing is that it is not growing.

Off for Dr. Simon appt. and chemo

I have 11:30 a.m. appt. with oncologist. Then I'll hopefully get good news on CT scans of lungs/breast. And I will ask her to bring up MRI results and give me a copy for my records.

Don't know what's up, but I had diarrhea yesterday and just this morning. Perhaps it's from the contrast I had last Thursday from CT scans. Will ask Dr. Simon about it this a.m.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Tim's on the road again with band camp

This has been a busy month for Tim. Couple of weeks ago he was at soccer camp at the college. Last week he attended mission conference at the same place. He came home yesterday a.m. and left this afternoon for his last band camp week. He's now a senior. Hard to believe it. He was home long enough to cut our lawn and the neighbor's lawn. He'll be back Friday, but we can't see him until they perform at Meet the Band Night at the school. They learn so much during these days, learn to memorize marching songs and marching routines for football games. It amazes me.

Friday, July 25, 2008

I have a plan. Returning to work!

Just met with my bosses from college. I'm all set to return to work Aug. 4th. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Won't be doing my old job but a new one that will fit my situation. That was so nice of them to stop by as I was just thinking this week about returning to work. I have a plan now.

Randy Pausch dies at age of 47

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25848017/

He was a Carnegie Mellon professor who became a overnight sensation when he did his Last Lecture in November. He died from pancreatic cancer. A true fighter,

Thursday, July 24, 2008

A LONG Day as usual of testing.

I got picked up this a.m. at 11:15 by a friend Cathy. And didn't get home until 7:30 p.m. And after the tests we went to cafeteria and I got a slice of pizza that probably was under the heat lamp all day. But I was hungry.

MRI test took about 30 minutes, CT scans of chest and abdomen about 4 minutes. That's it. All the other time consisted of waiting, prepping (had to drink a lot of contrast for scans in 1 hr. and it's terrible tasting). But that's how it always is.
Nothing new.

Results should be available online for doctors to review in a day or two. I was unable to get to the appt. with radiation dr. due to all the delays. But they understood the process. He'll just review it online and give me a call. No need to go back for a visit.

As you can imagine, I'm pooped and sore from laying on 2 different tables today.
Will post results as soon as I know. Prayers are appreciated. As I've said in the past, out of my hands. Nothing I can do now.

MRI Brain/CT Scans chest/abdomen

I have a 1 p.m. appt. at Shadyside in Pittsburgh for the above tests. Won't have the results probably until I see my oncologist next Tuesday for next round of chemo.
Am praying that the weeks I was unable to receive chemo did not give the cancer the upper hand. It's just something I think about...

As my sister would say, please send positive energy my way today. I need it.
Thanks.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Welcome Maureen and Pat

Am so pleased to finally meet you (via blog). Funny how things work out. Timing is everything. I was just sitting there and your mom approached me. Something I usually do to others. It seems wherever I go I spread the word. Not for pity, but just to have others aware of cancer. Especially when we have hair on our head, people only assume when you are bald. I know, I've been there.

Now I have your blog on my desktop to read. I'm going to start from the beginning to get all the content.

Again, thanks for coming out from behind your keyboard.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Blood work

This a.m. I went for my blood work, no chemo, just blood work. And while waiting a woman who is dealing with cancer approached me and asked if I worked at the College. I said yes. She then mentioned that her daughter always reads my blog, ever since we had that article in New Castle Newspaper. Isn't it a small world. This woman at one time worked at I believe a snack counter at the college awhile ago.


I've lined up a ride to Pittsburgh for my appt. on Thursday at Shadyside. I'm taking a friend up on her offer while I was in the hospital, she said that if I ever needed a ride to an appt. to call her. And this was an apportunity. Thanks, Cathy.
I wouldn't feel comfortable driving that distance by myself. Having brain MRI and my other CT scans done. Busy day. Anxious day.

Spent some time with Jody and Patti today. Was nice to get out of the house.
PS. Took nap when I got home! I don't think a day passes by without a nap. Can't seem to get enough sleep.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Our God Is An Awesome God

I attended the Women of Faith Conference this weekend with local church. There was about 60 ladies on the bus trip. And about 10,000 at the arena. It was fantastic. Lots of laughing, crying, singing, thinking, and clapping. A little of everything. We couldn't fall asleep Friday night with all the information we listened to. As my sister said "lots of input." I am not able to fully describe the conference, but am looking forward to going back next year. Once you go, you will continue to go.

I had mentioned at dinner to the ladies I was with what brought me to the Baptist church. I explained I was going between the Baptist and Presbyterian church. And that Lisa P. had known I was looking for a church with upbeat Christian music. And I found that and more at both these churches. And the best thing is that come Sunday Tim asks me which church we're going to, unlike before. And I mentioned that my favorite song was Our God Is An Awesome God, and Nanette (pastor's wife) looked to her daughter and said "you've got a special request." I didn't realize her daughter was a singer. And then during the last hour of the conference yesterday, I was about to leave 'cause I was tired and sore. You know, God works in mysterious ways. I could hear the beginning music of the song, my favorite all-time song, and I jumped up and clapped my hands. Nanette put her arm on my shoulder and said this song was for me! With tears falling down my face I clapped to the song, and danced as if no one was watching me. Without inhibitions. It was great. Dreams due come true.

I met so many nice people, with lots of stories to tell. And I shared my story with anyone that would listen as I always do. Even gave out business cards with my blog information. It was one of those weekends that I will treasure, especially when I'm not feeling well.

So thanks Lisa P. (who was unable to attend due to not feeling well) for mentioning my name to the Pastor's wife Nanette. I am truly blessed and words can't fully explain how much.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Thanks for commenting

I want to say special thanks to Lisa, my FedEx driver for commenting on my blog. Am glad you explained who you were. That's so great that you took the time to look up my blog. I have another friend called Lisa. It was March 2005 that I was first diagnosed, and then a month later Barry got diagnosed with cancer. Mine only stayed away for 2 years and came back elsewhere. We're both fighting this together with the support of our family and friends.

I'm going to a conference tomorrow called Women in Faith with my Baptist friends. Really looking forward to it. My sister said that I truly fit that name of the group. I've been told you go through lots of tissues. It was actually Lisa who told me about it. We come back Saturday.

My shoulder was the best it's been today. Up until 1/2 hr. ago. That's progress.
Will be in a room with lots of people praying next couple of days. Can't beat that.

PS. Just made up business cards promoting my blog to give out at convention if needed.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

No chemo today...

due to low white blood cells. Sort of figured that would happen. Last week it was just below the borderline, and I figured that by getting chemo it was only going to get lower. And I was right. No wonder I've been tired. What else is new?

Quote from Ann's blog...

"The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you."

I thought this was a good one, so I am also using it. Off to get blood test, followed by chemo hopefully.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Studied for my test

Have "studied" for my blood test in preparation for chemo tomorrow a.m. Am hoping I pass it. That would make my first complete cycle of treatment.

Back of my shoulder/backside has been causing me pain today. Not sure what's up.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

3rd day- a change

My shoulder no longer has that pain, now it's sort of a tired feeling along with being weighted down feeling a bit. Discomfort rt. rear shoulder blade for some reason (back). At least it's better. Able to lift it by itself, same mobility as when I was having therapy.

Friday, July 11, 2008

2 days- Pain remains

I've been told by some that it could take 2-3 days. So I'm waiting one more day for a miracle, some relief from my shoulder.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Pain update-still there

Shoulder pain has been reduced somewhat, pain has moved down my arm. Also woke up with some pain in my hip. Don't know what that's all about. Maureen suggested ice pack in the area where the injection was. I think it helped. But ice pack melted so was unable to do the new area down on my arm. Headed to do that now. Still painful to lift.

update 10:25 p.m.

Pain did leave my hip area, must have been a fluke. Pain continues to be issue, different kind of pain. Difficult to lift my arm without the help of the other arm. Was able to do that before. Did use ice packs today. Am going to call orthopedic doctor in a.m. It was his nurse that said 24 hrs. for relief, never did ask him directly. Am hoping it could take 2-3 days like rehab. dr. said in the past. I just can't win. Not feeling the tugging feeling anymore on my shoulder.

Worth listening to...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92374390

It's an interview done yesterday with Leroy Sievers and Elizabeth Edwards, Talk of the Nation. I've been following Leroy's blog for past 2 1/2 years, and most recent scan shows cancer throughout his body. Brain, lungs and spine are just a few of the areas.

Take the time to listen and to perhaps read his blog. Very honest interview.

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Orthopedic dr. this a.m.

Saw orthopedic dr. this a.m. Said tendinitis in shoulder, gave me another cortisone shot. Told him I already had 2 about 2 weeks ago from rehab dr. Explained to me that he knows anatomy better and that he is confident about location to give me shot, especially by looking at MRI.

24 hrs. I should feel relief. Sure do hope so. Been a long 2 months living this way. Bad enough dealing with chemo.

Going to lie down.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Chemo- made it 2 times in a row

Long a.m. 'cause my blood work showed white blood cells right beneath the margin. Had to wait for dr.'s approval to proceed. Honestly, I was hoping she would say no to chemo. Just anticipating the coming week, if today it's just below the margin, what is this treatment going to do to my body?

Have scheduled an appt. tomorrow a.m. with orthopedic doctor to review yesterday's MRI shoulder.

Off to bed. A long day so far, and it's not only 1 p.m.!

Monday, July 07, 2008

Tests done this morning

Had MRI right shoulder and neck: radiologist preliminary report/looks like arthritis and pinched nerve in neck area.
Bone scan: shows area where I had brain surgery/area where I had chest plate

Recommends these results be taken to Pittsburgh for next CT scans July 24 for further exploration. His report will be faxed to oncologist and I will talk to her tomorrow if I pass my blood test/get chemo. From what I briefly found on internet, fatigue is symptom along with pain from arthritis. And there are so many types of arthritis, would need to know more. Will ask for copy of the final report to see what is actually written. I don't spend much time on computer 'cause of the constant pain I'm in. I sure do hope I find a resolution. The cortisone shots didn't touch the pain.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Where does the time go

I'm happy to report that this cycle of chemo I didn't experience any flu-like symptoms!
I continue to have discomfort in my right shoulder area. Am hoping something shows up with the tests I am having tomorrow, as it continues to be an issue. Just give me a diagnosis and I'll be happy. Even in typing a small amount on the computer, it hurts so much.
Tim's taking me to the Diagnostic center in the a.m. for MRIs and bone scan of the areas.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Another cycle of chemo

I'm on another cycle of chemo. Plus I mentioned to the oncologist the pain I've been experiencing in my shoulder area. She's set up an MRI on the shoulder, along with a bone scan. These tests see so much more than just an x-ray I recently had.
Am going on Monday a.m. for these tests. I didn't feel any relief from the cortisone shots. She also said it was "normal" not to be able to get this treatment on each of the 3 scheduled weeks. Truly does effect white blood cells. Quite common to go every other week.