Had my alarm set for p.m. instead of a.m. so am running a bit late. Will post more after work. Must have been sleeping good to not be looking at clock like I usually do.

The pimples seemed to be growing wild on my head so I called the cancer center. They eventually had me go in to see the nurse practitioner Debbie in the afternoon. She examined my head and prescribed bactriban as an anibiotic. Also agreed that not covering it is good medicine. And I did take the bandana that I was wearing to work off at lunchtime. Thank goodness I'm not vain and need to be perfect in the looks dept.! The way I look at it, it's not my chosing to look the way I am and I'm not going to be embarassed about it.


While I was talking to Debbie, I mentioned the headaches that I had after treatment. She said that one of the anti nausea meds, kytrol, can cause headaches. She said that at the next treatment I could be given another equivalent drug. I just said that it better be as good because I have not been sick yet. She also had some blood drawn to do a CBC since I'm mid-cycle for this treatment. By the time I left the center, she had consulted with Dr. Garrow about my headaches. He has made notes about it for the next cycle.

Another week

Barry will be going strawberry picking with Tim this morning. Their annual trip to the Amish farm. Can't wait to see how good they are this year.

I've started to get the pimples back on my scalp. Last time I thought they were the sign that hair was coming out. Now I've heard it's just because of chemo.

Off to work.

Barry and Tim picked 6 quarts of strawberries in what Tim tells me was 15 minutes! And they are beauties. Smashed some, froze some and the rest I dipped in chocolate.
So good.

Tim got his own pool membership today. After we ate our delicious meatloaf, he went for a couple of hours to the pool. I think that's one of our better investments for the summer. He met a few of his friends down there and really enjoyed himself.

And my scalp is sore from the pimples. Mostly on the part where my cowlick would be.
Going to call doctor in a.m. to see if I can put anything beside cortisone on it. Am thinking that it's perhaps better not to cover it, but then it's not that attractive. I may just say the heck with it and go hatless for a while at work tomorrow.

Barry's turn with Neulasta

The neulasta is right on schedule. Barry's in bed now feeling the many aches in his body from the shot on Friday. Only thing you have to think is this: it's doing what it's supposed to be, and tomorrow it will be history. A couple of years ago this drug wasn't even used. I think his aches are much stronger than mine. Worst thing for me was the headache, but I'm ready now. I have bought excedrin since it has caffeine in it which people say is what you need.

Another nice day here. Spent most of it inside. Was able to take a small nap.
Then Tim went to play soccer with some of his friends. All in all, a day of rest for me. And why not, it is Sunday a day of rest.

Saw sign this weekend that strawberries are ready to be picked. That means Barry and Tim will be picking lots of berries this week. Mmmmmm. They were running about 3 weeks late we heard.

And Maureen, had I gone topless for real... I think I would have definitely been banned from the pool! Or else scared everyone and had the pool to myself. Geez, that's an idea..

Cooked both days on the grill this weekend. Steak yesterday and chicken today. And dad, I cooked it just right. A little burnt around the edges. Made some homemade potato salad to go with it. I also want to thank my food angels this week: Kelly, Jan and Carol a neighbor of mine. We certainly have wonderful people in our lives. Thanks.

A pretty nice day in Pennsyvlania

Barry got up earlier than me, I stayed in bed until 9. Going to try to get my scooter inspected today and then head over to another Relay for Life walk that the Bank is participating in. Just going to walk a few laps for the cause.

I walked for about 1/2 hr. at the Reley, came home and washed my scooter (which I couldn't get inspected) and my truck. Now Tim and I are headed to town pool. I might even go topless! (bald) Very hot and humid today.

Well, Tim and I did spend a couple of hours at the pool. And with Tim's support he told me to go topless, shed the hat and go in the pool for nice cool dip. So, of course I listened to my smart kid. And afterwards, I did some sunning (with suntan lotion. I didn't burn so I must have used just the right amount of lotion. It felt so good just being there and getting cooled down. A perfect time.

We had ice cream at Dutch Isle today. Even Barry had a cone in the evening.

All in all, a pretty nice day in Pennsylvania.

PS. Just got off web cam with Donna C. from Long Island. The wonders of technology!
Pretty cool invention.

TGIF

Don't think Barry slept at all last night. Effects of one of the anti nausea drugs. will be pooped later today. Tim's last day of school and I have early meeting this a.m. Talk later.

When I got up this morning at 6, Barry was vacuuming kitchen floor in preparation for cleaning it. Hadn't slept a wink. And by the time I got home today, the cleaning had continued throughout the house. The effects of the drug just keep on going. Now I truly know how bad a cleaner I am! Anyone want to rent him after his next chemo? Does a great job. It's now 10 p.m. and he basically hasn't slept since waking yesterday morning. But am definitely sure this weekend he will catch some z's. He did go for his neulasta shot this p.m. to build up his white blood cells.

Can't believe how fast this week went. Pufff and it's Friday. Pufff and the school year has ended and Tim's in high school. Time goes by too fast.

Round 2 of chemo for Barry

Barry has an early appt. this morning for Round 2. I'm going to join him for lunch and bring him a Panera sandwich. Am taking an extra 1/2 hr. for lunch. I went with him for his first chemo but it really took a lot out of me mentally due to being so close to my own treatment. I'm only a phone call away from him. I won't be there physically but will be there in spirit like all our bloggin' family and friends.

I did eat Panera with Barry today. It truly is not the best place to have lunch, but I thought it was important to spend that time with him. He was there a long 6 1/2 hours for treatment today. That is a long time for him. So much longer than my couple of hours. He said he didn't rest as much as when I was there on his first treatment. He did enjoy the time I spent with him and of course the sandwich. I think next treatment I will go with him. It's one of those things that I don't know if there is a right answer. I didn't go with him and I was double guessing myself while I wasn't there. Will have to talk it over with him.

He met with his doctor before the chemo. He will have a scan done after the 3rd chemo to see if nodules/cancer area have changed in size. If smaller, he will continue on with more chemo. If larger, a more aggressive chemo drug will be given to him. So we are praying for a positive scan at that time. Going through chemo is something that no one should have to go through.

Barry, you did great today!

Barry's blood work

Barry goes for his blood test today in preparation for his 2nd chemo treatment tomorrow morning. I'm not going with him as it was very tiring for me last time. Plus he sleeps which makes the time go fast for him, but not for me. If he should need anything, I'm just down the road. Will visit him at lunch time.

Barry did his blood test and results are perfect for Round 2 of chemo tomorrow.

Each day does get better

Slept a little better last night. Had trouble early on since I felt like I was getting a cold, nasal drip and such. Got up and took some sudafed and it doesn't appear to be a problem today. Will keep an eye on it as I don't need to get sick.

It was a much better day today, just not having a headache is a blessing.

And you can tell by my short blog, that life is OK right now.

Tim went to town pool again today. I think it's time for him to get his own membership. He really enjoys swimming.

I'm pretty excited that I will be able to go to the Cape in July for a short but well needed vacation. Barry and Tim will also be going. I will fly there and they will take the camper there. We'll be going at different times, but overlapping on the weekend. This was unexpected. This way we can see both families in between chemo treatments. I can't wait! I'll be returning just in time for my LAST treatment.

A new week

I have just a smidge of a headache left right now. Was up and down most of the night, but that could mean a good night's sleep tonight.

The headache is finally gone. Shhhhhh. Don't want it to come back.

Just a short blog today. A tiring day for me. But I do know that it will get better in a couple of days.

Thanks for all your nice comments.

Neulasta kicks in

Am going through growing pains now. Started during the night. Barry tells me to get out of my cave (bedroom) but that's where I'm most comfortable. Nice and dark.
Temps in high 80s outside so I'm not going there. Back to bed now. Not going to accomplish much today but that's OK. Just wish I could get rid of headache that I've had past couple of days.

I want to thank Jody for bringing over a casserole dish. It at least got me dressed and out of my room. And it was tasty. She came when I most needed a hug. She's been through what I am going through. This weekend is just one of those sucky weekends. No other way to describe it. Just have to get over the next couple of days and it will get better.

Day 3 following Chemo

Slept better last night. We both were in bed by 9 p.m. Still have the mild headache that I am babying because I don't want it to get worse. No effects of neulasta, but am anticipating it.

Tim has some kind of band outing today. Think Barry will bring him to school for that, I intend to stay put but that could change. Hard to plan on doing something when you know what could be coming as far as possible aches.

No energy today. Did manage to make scalloped potato with ham just now. (box mix) My contribution for the day. Headache continues.

It's now 8 p.m. and I still have headache in back of head. There all day. No signs of neulasta, not that I'm complaining. Just wondering if and when it's going to come. Spent most of the day in bed, not sleeping at all, just with eyes shut to relax.

Nite all.

These pictures are taken by our son Tim, who continues to be our daily inspiration. 

Biker Dude Barry (no moustache) 

We are Survivors! Jane and Barry. Jane's second day of round 2 of chemo. 

Day after Round 2 Jane

Am not going to work today. Still have headache and was unable to sleep AT ALL last night. That's side effect of the anti-nausea drug decadron. Literally watched each hour go by on my clock. Got Tim on the bus and heading back to bed with new meds.

Have an appt. at cancer center this a.m. and will also get my neulasta shot. And this will cause the flu-like symptoms throughout the weekend. At least I know what to expect. Even though I don't feel up to par now I do realize I have a lot of friends looking out for me and wanting to know how I feel. That's why I post anyway.

Continue to have slight headache during the day. Am trying to not have it get any worse. Am taking percocet for it. This morning Barry asked me to cut his hair. Wasn't on my to do list but I did it. Went very short but ended up shaving it all off due to blotchy areas that had already come out. He shaved the moustache first.
Had never seen him without one. So, Tim: we are officially coneheads. And the pictures that follow will prove it. Just not taken on couch like you spoke of.

Afterwards, we stopped by Barry's job to show his boss anc co-workers and then we went to the cancer center for appointment and for my neulasta shot.

Got home, ate a little lunch and got into bed for about 3 hours. Got up so I could see Tim's reaction to Barry's new "do". He said he looks like his father. Most other people say he looks younger. Either way, he even may consider keeping it like this after treatment. Could be like the St. Laurent boys in Az.! There was a reason we went to see them in February I guess.

Had nice visits with some Angels this week: Julie, Sue, Michelle and David. Again, thanks for being there.

Round 2 of chemo DONE: 50% complete

I continued to sleep well last night. Am thankful for that. My appt. is in 3 hours and 1 hour before I take my anti nausea drug Emend. I meet with oncologist before the actual chemo to go over my blood tests and to review how I'm doing. Barry is taking me to the appointment. Already it's 57 sunny degrees. After Tim gets on bus I may even sneek back into bed for a few minutes.

PS. Never did go back to bed.

I met with Dr. Garrow before my chemo. He did explain that the headache(s) that I had last cycle are chemo related and I should just take the strong stuff like percocet for relief. Tylenol doesn't cut it. All my other blood tests (liver, etc.) also came back perfect. Good news. I then went to my 2nd round of chemo. The adriamycin takes about 15 minutes for Kendra the nurse to manually syringe it into the IV on my arm. Then the second drug is administered by IV drip for about 40 minutes. It's relatively a short period of time compared to Barry's treatment but is mentally draining for me. On the pillow beside my arm with the IV is my HOPE charm that Linda gave me. HOPE goes with me everywhere. While sitting with me, Barry was feeling his moustache and guess what: the hairs are coming out. This had been questionable as to whether he would or wouldn't lose it. He's had moustache since he's been about 18/19 years old. Will probably shave it tomorrow. Wanted to give the guys at work one last look at it! My good friend Jody told me this: "that every single hair gone signifies cancer cells GONE too!!!" A direct quote from her last night. As Barry and I left the center, we noticed our names on two Relay for Life tribute forms. Cindy C. was so kind to apparently donate monies for another ACS walk that is coming up. Thank you twice for both Barry and I. It did not go unnoticed.


After the chemo, we went to get some items at grocery store and then we went to a new Chinese buffet nearby. The food was delicious and inexpensive. I really enjoyed going out to lunch since we didn't do that the first time. A much needed treat. The only effect I was feeling after chemo was when I was shopping I started to sweat (under scarf). And now when I sweat, it's visible on top of my shiny head. Not hidden under any hair. Noticed that last night when I used hot tub for first time in awhile. On way home, the scarf was taken off quickly. I had wore a long sleeve shirt for treatment since room is often cool. I think being hot and the situation just worked against me to the point of making me feel like I was going to pass out. My sister attributed this to the drugs and not having any real food since early morning. Couldn't wait to go to bathroom (I tell it like it is, I'm truthful) where the urine comes out red (chemo drug) along with diarrhea. I immediately went to bed to crash. It was about 3 p.m.

Rested for a couple of hours and then cut up some ham for Tim's dinner. Boy, was I once again thankful for Angels on earth. I heated up some homemade chicken soup for the soul. The headache has started and I've already taken some percocet. Going to fight right back. My jammies feel so good and will head back to bed soon.

I go back to cancer center tomorrow for my neulasta shot in morning.

As I was resting, Sue who works with Barry stopped by to deliver a delicious jello creation made with whipped cream/pineapple/nuts. As they say, there is always room for jello and that was the perfect time. Heard her at the door and got up to say hi to her. Just another Angel in our lives. Headache continues but if that's all, can't really complain.

Blood work today

Am hoping today is calmer day at work. Enough stuff on my head as it is (or actually there isn't! bald you know!) I'm going for blood work at Cancer Center in preparation for round 2 of chemo tomorrow morning. For about 2 weeks I've been feeling practically normal and now I have to go through this again. A bit depressing to be truthful, but on the bright side I will be 1/2 way done chemo. It's just human nature I guess.

Have taken brush and hairdryer out of my bathroom. Now Tim has so much room in there. Don't need those items for awhile.

Just a quick update. I had blood work this a.m. and my white blood cells are PERFECT. That is good news. On to round 2 tomorrow.

I hope you all realize how much you mean to me. I've received so many well wishes lately that it truly warms my heart. Wishes from people that I've never even met but are now part of my life. I still don't understand, and I will not try to, how you can spend time with people on a daily basis and they don't all wish you good luck especially when going through chemo. I've never been that way so it's puzzling. But I guess that's the way some people are.

I wear my hats and new earrings to work daily. Love them both. When I get hot, I take the hat off and go au naturel. Doesn't bother me a bit. It's not my doing that I am this way so I will continue to shine (physically and mentally) in their presence.

Signing off for today. Already miss American Idol on TV.

I am turning into an official conehead. The stubs I used to have are disappearing and now it's the bald look.

Off to work with pink hat and parrot earrings. A good pair.

Today was first day of work after a software update. Therefore, you guessed it. A day from you know what. No lunch break and I worked 1/2 hr. extra just to get my desk cleaned up from my daily work. A very exhausting day. Sure do hope tomorrow is better as I need to be in good shape for Thursday's chemo.

Have spoken to Barry this evening and he is losing some hair on top of his head. Hoping it doesn't all come out. Otherwise, he's going to be my matching conehead.
Time will tell.

I go for blood work tomorrow in preparation for round 2 of chemo. Hope everything is OK to keep rolling.

Where there is faith

Where There Is Faith

I believe in faithfulness
I believe in giving of myself for someone else
I believe in peace and love
I believe in honesty and trust but it's not enough
For all that I believe may never change the way it is
Unless I believe Jesus lives

Where there is faith
There is a voice calling, "keep walking"
You're not alone in this world
Where there is faith
There is a peace like a child sleeping
Hope everlasting in He who is able to
Bear every Burden, to heal every hurt in my heart
It is a wonderful, powerful place
Where there is faith


The above are words from a Christian song I just heard by 4HIM. Wish you could actually hear the song.

I had to work about 5 hours this a.m. Nice way to spend holiday weekend. But was able to do some things today anyway like take a scooter ride, nap and then Barry, Tim and I went to see STAR WARS movie. Pretty good movie. Yes, finally we saw it. Tim's been saying no to all his friends when they have invited him. Wanted to see it with his dad. And we went to new movies with stadium seating. Really nice and roomy.

This weekend what stubby hair I have on my head is coming out. I have found a trick to getting off my scalp. Scotch tape! Don't laugh it works. And it beats it being sore on my scalp, especially when I lay down on it. Am even noticing my legs as having the same prickly feeling. Must be losing the shaved hair on my legs. Yeah, no shaving for a couple of months.

My 2nd chemo is this Thursday. Then I will be 50% done with chemo treatment. One way of looking at it. I'll be taking that day off from work. Past couple of weeks I've been feeling so good that for a moment I forgot what I was going through. But with chemo just a couple of days ago, it does come back to my mind. But at least I know what to expect. Plus, I won't have to worry about losing my hair.

Sunday: worked most of afternoon

The itching was not due to the wig. This a.m. it felt like porcupine, back of my neck. But when I further explored it, it was due to more hair coming out. Am so glad I shaved it already. Little stubs coming out of scalp.

After going to church, I cooked up some 'sghetti and meatballs that Angel Meg had sent over. Another delicious meal. Thank you.

After an early lunch I had to go to work due to a computer upgrade. Worked until 5 p.m. and have to go back early in morning. Some holiday. Would have rather spent the time with family.

For dinner we had hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill, and I made some shrimp pasta salad for the "boys" tomorrow while I'm at work. I expect to work the whole morning.

All in all, a pretty good day.