This is the main drug called Gemzar. It takes about 30 minutes to aminister.

 

3 Years ago I was given this HOPE charm, and it's been with me ever since for good luck. Thanks LInda.

 

This is me receiving kytrol (antinausea med) via IV, using my mediport in my chest.

 

 

The main chemo room consists of 6 recliner chairs, one tv.

 

 

A new journey begins...

I didn't sleep as well last night. Too much on my mind. Barry left before 6 a.m. for his CT scan in Pittsburgh, and that's when I took a tylenol for a headache. Then I went back to bed. Right now it's raining outside. Let's pray that Barry passes this important test!

Am leaving shortly for my first chemo treatment of gemzar. Also pray that I handle the drug with limited side effects.

Have decided to take my camera for my first treatment. To educate others as to what receiving chemo could look like.

Wearing my new pink shirt in honor of breast cancer.

I have a plan

Let me start off by saying I slept a lot better last night. Am thankful for that. When I went to bed I was anxious cause I didn't know what the night would bring.
Went off to work feeling so much better than the previous days.

Got a call from the Pittsburgh oncologist's office that they had scheduled a visit with the local dr. for 2 p.m. today. Perhaps followed by chemo. Geez, I didn't have time to get nervous. Took a short lunch and went to appt.

The plan of attack is gemzar. A chemo drug that is given intravenously through my port. And yes, it still works after months of non use. Never realized that you were supposed to "flush" it out monthly. Oh well. I will go every week for 3 weeks, and then off the 4th week. Gemzar's side effects do not include hair loss. But it's hard on the body's blood counts.
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This is from gemzar's own website:


You will have regular blood tests before and during your treatment with GEMZAR that will monitor you for the following side effects. You may also have symptoms that you should tell your healthcare team about.

Low white blood cell count (neutropenia/leukopenia)
White blood cells help you fight infection. A low number of white blood cells is called neutropenia or leukopenia. You will most likely have a drop in your white blood cell count beginning several days after you receive GEMZAR therapy. About 7 out of 10 patients experienced a low white blood cell count.

During this time, you are more likely to develop an infection, and should avoid crowds and those with colds. You should call your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection, such as a temperature over 100.5°F, or chills. There are medications to help with low white blood cell counts.

Low red blood cell count (anemia)
Red blood cells help transport oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. A low red blood cell count is called anemia. If your red blood cell count is low, you may feel tired, get tired easily, appear pale, and become short of breath. About 69 percent of patients experienced anemia in the clinical trials of GEMZAR plus paclitaxel. There are medications available to help with anemia.

Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
Platelets help your blood clot. A lowered platelet count puts you at more risk for bleeding. If your doctor or nurse tells you that you have a low platelet count, you will be asked to take some precautions, including avoiding injury, using stool softeners, using soft-bristle toothbrushes, etc. It is important that you call your healthcare team if you see any signs of bleeding, such as bruising or blood in your stool. Of the patients who received GEMZAR in combination with paclitaxel, 26 percent had a low platelet count.

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Barry had this same chemo and did experience the low counts. Fatigue is very common. People who have had other chemo treatments have not tolerated this drug as well. I may need the treatments reduced if I should need.

It will take only 1/2 hr. to get this treatment done. And tomorrow will be my first treatment.

Tim left on his bus trip tonight. An emotional time for me today. With seeing him off and just the whole cancer thing. But tomorrow will be better. And he'll be fine. Thank goodness for friends.

Am tired now. Off to bed. I go for chemo. Barry goes for CT scan. Just another day.

An update

Sorry for not writing in awhile. It's been a different kind of a few days for me. Wasn't going to write about it but I said "why not? My life's already an open book. Shouldn't I continue to be honest?"

These past few days have been sort of difficult for me. I've took it upon myself to stop taking the narcotic pain killer. Not because I'm not feeling any pain, but because it's just a narcotic. Had already been down to a low enough dosage, I thought, that I would be OK. Sunday I took my last pill. Had been on a much higher dosage when I was just recovering from my surgery. But had drastically, slowly cut down on it. Yesterday was not a good day for me at all. It just became too much for me. Call it withdrawal or call it mood swings, but it wasn't a fun day. In the morning I confided with a co worker through tears. She was quite comforting and ended up walking around the college with me. Think it all just came upon me: these are the months marking my diagnosis, Barry's upcoming CT scan on Friday and the Relay for Life. Hard to explain how I felt. I guess I deserve to be down at times, to complain. And last night was my worst ever night for sleeping. Tossed and turned, sweated and chilled, and even cried some. I even felt an urge to take one of my old pills, but didn't. I think I fell asleep at 2 ish only to wake up at 7 for work. I honestly didn't know how I was going to make it at work today, being so tired.

I did call the doctor today and he prescribed me a non narcotic pain medicine. And did mention that he thought my feelings were pain related, not withdrawal related. I disagree but who am I. I've taken the new medication and hope for a better night and end of the week.

As for Barry, as I wrote he goes for a 12 week CT scan update this Friday. If no change, chemo will be extended another 4 weeks. If there's growth, he'll have chemo next week. He continues to be strong. Never complains (unlike me). He did tell me that the neuropathy in his feet is a constant issue. Doesn't feel right ever due to meds. As for me, I'm trying to coordinate with my Pittsburgh doctor for the right chemo drugs to use. He has mentioned to me that there are 2 clinical trials out there but I've told him that would be last resort. Even though the treatment he may be prescribing is a trial in itself. I'm not looking forward to chemo at all.

And the Relay for Life is this Saturday. Ribbon cutting is at 10 a.m. with the traditional survivors lap at noon. And as I've said, Barry and I will be cutting the ribbon. This is also the day we'll meet the reporter from the paper who is doing the article about us. Will be an emotional day like the past few years.

Does this answer your question to why I haven't posted?

Prayers for Donna

A friend of ours who worked for Barry on Long Island is in serious condition. She may have suffered a stroke that resulted in a car accident. Now she is in an induced coma. They had to remove a blood clot and also a section of her scalp to reduce the swelling. This section of the scalp has been sewn in under her skin on her stomach to keep it alive. As for extent of brain damage if any, won't be known until they bring her out of the coma in the next couple of days. She also suffered a punctured lung when they inserted a tube at the hospital.

This information was given to us by Barry's old boss. She and her husband have 2 young children.

Am asking for the power of prayer once again for Donna and her family. Mom and dad, you have met her and also my father in law has worked with her.

Bet this hasn't happened to you...

As I was taking a bath tonight, I decided to shave my legs. Got out the razer and proceded to do so. Then I put the razer back on the bath shelve only to realize that I had not taken the protective cover off of it! Gee whiz..... Talk about silly.
I'm not going to get a close shave with the cover on it. Am I?

A record number of comments...

I love it. I never really knew how many people read my blog. Has made my day a bit brighter.

Today I booked a mini getaway to the Cape to see my family for Memorial Day weekend.
Tim and I will be flying there for the long weekend. This idea just came to me last week, I just felt I needed to see my family. It's been too long. And if my friend can get time off of her job, she will also visit the Cape with me. I did invite Barry to come, but if he was to go there he would have preferred to drive.

I made the local college newspaper's front page today. They even quoted me about dealing with cancer. It's all in preparation for our local Relay for Life event next Saturday. It was just a few minutes of an interview but that's all it takes to get the point across.

Here's a portion of the article:

The Relay for Life, which benefits
the American Cancer Society,
will take place on April 12, 2008
from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. A ribbon
cutting ceremony in honor of
cancer victims and survivors of the
campus and community will start
the day off. Among those honored
at the Relay for Life kick off includes
Barry and Jane Kaminske,
both recently diagnosed with cancer.
Carnival style games, a Chinese
auction, and entertainment
from Titan Radio is scheduled to
be behind the Memorial Field
House. Additional entertainment
will take place in Shaw Hall parking
lot with a car show.

“You become aware of how
great the community is,” Jane
Kaminske, honoree/Business Office
Financial Data Coordinator
said. “From meals to friendship,
you meet nice people when you’re
going through a hard time.”

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Again, thanks to everyone for their support. You mean the world to me.

Please leave a message for me...

When I was being interviewed for our local paper, the reporter asked me how many people actually read my blog. I was not able to tell him as there could be lots out there that just browse without leaving me a message. You don't have to give your full name, one person I know just signs the comment as JK. I would like to be able to tell the reporter next week the answer to his question. And if you leave a comment, why not explain what this blog means to you. For me, it's an inspiration, a form of therapy when life is not the way you thought it would be.

So please, leave a comment. It's so easy to do..... PS Even my dad knows how to...

anyone have ideas for restless leg syndrome

came down with it yesterday p.m. at work. not fun at all. leg wants to keepmoving,
very nerve wracking and tiring.

JK's letter to newspaper about us

The letter that JK wrote to local newspaper about our situation:

Hello:


I am writing today to tell you about a good friend of mine, and to suggest her for a possible human interest story in the New Castle News. Her story will no doubt inspire you.


Her name is Jane Kaminske. She resides in New Wilmington and is a breast cancer survivor. The term "survivor" truly could be defined by her: she was diagnosed three years ago, and the day that she went for her first chemotherapy treatment, her husband Barry was diagnosed with cancer as well. In three short years (just last week she hit her three year mark) this family has dealt with cancer in an unbelievable fashion. Jane had a recurrence of her cancer approximately one year ago, and underwent a unique surgery late last year to remove a tumor in her chest.


Through it all, Jane has kept a blog about her struggles and triumphs. She has even included photographs as a way to educate others about cancer and treatment regimens. Please read through it if you have time: http://jkaminske.blogspot.com/


With spring comes the American Cancer Society's "Relay For Life" fundraisers. On Saturday, April 12, Westminster College will be holding their annual RFL fundraiser. Jane and Barry were asked to cut the ceremonial ribbon for the Survivor Walk. It will be a very moving event. Jane works for Westminster now, so it will be particularly poignant.


I hope that you find her to be as motivational as those who know and love her do. I have only known her three years (I met her at her first Westminster Relay) and in that short time she has inspired ME as a fellow survivor.


____________________________________________________________________________

My life as an open book....

Waiting for permission to post an email that was sent to our local newspaper about us and written by my "bosom" buddy JK. Both Barry and I have spoken to the reporter today. It was JK that suggested we would make a great human interest story, one that may inspire others as others have inspired us. The reporter has been going over my blog for about a week and was pretty knowlegeable about what we're going through. Thanks JK for thinking of us. You are my inspiration, my first true bosom buddy.

Looks like it will be chemotime again

After getting to the hospital at 2:3o ish (left work at 1 p.m.), I had a chest x-ray which is a nothing procedure that lasts just a couple of minutes. Then I headed up to see my surgeon Dr. C. Got there at about 3:20 p.m. Didn't see him until 6:30 p.m.!! How's that for a long wait. And then the consultation only lasted say about 15 mins. I was his last patient. After working 5 hrs. and going through the long afternoon at hospital, I was mentally exhausted. I have to apologize to my sister for cutting her short when she called me on my way home. Since I was gone for such a long time, my medication schedule was off and I was also feeling discomfort.

Looks like it will be chemotime for me again. I was sent to Dr. C. to see if he was going to be on same page as my oncologist. The page being just do the chemo, don't worry about biopsy of lungs. There's always a risk when dealing with lungs, and considering that the breast cancer has invaded elsewhere recently it's pretty much has invaded the lungs. And I agreed with him.

He'll update Dr. B. at Magee, and then I'll have concur with Dr. S who is my local intown oncologist. Lots of doctors involved, just because I go for second opinions now. My life is too important.

Possible plan of attack.....

I meet with surgeon this p.m. in the city, after I have chest x-ray. Then I should have some kind of plan of attack with the cancer...

Back to Pittsburgh Friday for consult with surgeon

I'm off to work. Even wearing a new skirt and top I got at WalMart. Showing my legs today. Even though I was up a lot during the night, it wasn't due to the pain. Just couldn't sleep. The muscle relaxer seems to be working. Will take one before I leave for work, along with my other meds. It's amazing how much better you feel mentally when you don't have the physical pain. Am thankful today.

Got phone call this afternoon stating that I'm heading back to Pittsburgh for a chest x-ray and then for a consultation with my surgeon Dr. Christie. He's been my surgeon for the past hospital stays, including the main operation in Nov. 2007.
He will be going over my options and explaining all that showed up in CT/PET scan. I'm very glad that I'll be speaking to him, because he is the one person that knows what has been happening within my body the past few months. Has seen first hand how fast the cancer is roaming about within me.

Just give me a plan and I'll be on my way (again!)

Results are in...Schedule lung biopsy next

I woke up this a.m. and eventually threw up. But assuming that my co-worker would also not be in today, I figured I needed to get to work anyway. My shoulder/collar bone area was in the worse pain of all today, as I drove to work. Was especially hard just to put the car into drive and then park. But I knew as soon as I got there, going was a mistake. My boss asked how I was doing and all the tears that were building up came out. I immediately shut down computer and went home. Then I called my doctor's office to set up appointment. I was only able to see the doctor in training, but that was fine as I needed someone to check me out.

Have been put on muscle relaxant, in addition to taking the pain meds I've been taking. My back was so tense and the area in question was so sore. Have also been scheduled to take some physical therapy, as the worst thing would be that the muscles/arms would stop being used 'cause of pain. Important that this not happen.
As for the nausea, caused by the severe pain. Continue to take nausea pills.

Went right to drug store to fill the script, and then right home to get into pj's.
I heard from the Director at Magee hospital in the afternoon about 2 ish. He was calling with the results of the PET/CT scans. There is a lymph node that is showing up probably as cancer, but his concern right now is to biopsy an area on my lung that has an area that measures about the size of a fingernail. Not the news I wanted to hear, since previously they were too small to even measure. So he is contacting my previous surgeon to have this biopsy scheduled. I'm not sure why a biopsy is needed considering my past cancer history, but have to understand that you can't really get any higher an opinion that this doctor in question.

So that's it for now. The relaxant pill seems to be helping. I'm just at the awkward stage of not wanting to move the shoulder too much, afraid that the pain is still there. And considering that it's been 8 hrs. since I took the first pill, it's now time for another.

PET/CT Scans done! yeah....

One last thing done on my "to do" list. Now heading to bed for some rest...
Tim was great today. While I did tests, he walked about 2 miles to Univ. of Pittsburgh campus to see his friend Luke. Even had some good pizza for lunch in the city. Never realized he knew how to get around the city.... Smart kid.

PS. Lisa, he loved seeing Luke again and this time having a chance to see his dorm.
Really enjoyed it.

CT/PET scans tomorrow

Am going through with CT/PET scans tomorrow at Hillman as planned. Have talked to a nurse there and she has said that drinking one type of the contrast may not have to be done, I'll see how I am when I get there. Tim's going with me for moral support, plus as a driver if I should not feel good. Been a tough couple of weeks for me. I did speak to dr.'s office today and have been told what I've been feeling is shingles and medicine related due to shingles. Just needs to run its course. My immediate goal right now is to get these tests completed, so questions can be answered. All going back to CT scan from mid January that showed the recurrence of breast cancer, and some questionable spots on my lungs.

Let's hope it's a Good Friday.