Tim's off to band camp

Tim left this p.m. for band camp. Returns Friday p.m. In these few days they learn their marching band routines. Amazes me how much they learn in a short time. And this year Tim is playing bass drum for the first time. I'm so looking forward to seeing the kids perform for the town on Friday night. Always a good time.

I just found out from another percussion parent that this group gets to be the "wake up" call for the other kids. A chance to make some early morning noise.

Just finished balancing 2 months of my checking account statements. A bit behind, but the end result was it balanced.

Have figured out that the Saturday night following the chemo is a night I don't sleep. A pattern has formed. So I truly take advantage of my Sunday naps. And boy do I sleep soundly.

Geez, another chemo Friday

Off to early chemo appt. They come so quickly.

Didn't post this week since I was more tired than usual. In the past I would feel the tiredness by Wednesday, but this week it came early on Monday p.m.

At least today I believe it will only be one chemo drug.

Updated 10:34 p.m.

Chemo treatment went well. For first time I actually fell asleep during the treatment while listening to MP3 player. And that is unusual as I'm a person that likes to sleep with no noise.

Received only taxol today. Next week taxol and avastin.
As soon as I got home, I went to bed for a couple of hrs. Feels so good. Other than getting chemo today, that was about it for me.

Yeah. Tim's home

Tim got home from his mission trip a little past 11 p.m. last night. And like Barry had guessed, his phone call to us was just as he was getting into town. Friday was considered their fun day which they chose to spend at Six Flags Amusement Park. And can you imagine that the park was not the highlight of the trip! He certainly did enjoy the mission trip. Had a chance to make new friendships, and the kids exchanged phone numbers and email addresses.

One of the things he liked the most (believe it or not) was the church services that they went to daily. The priest spoke at their level, and they were able to understand the sermons. And each night they listened to a band and sang along. Words of the song were shown for all to sing along to. He even bought the CD of the group, he knew I would also enjoy the music.

This a.m. I went and picked up the new Harry Potter book for him. He's set to read that this week.

Had our first Amish corn of the season for dinner. And it was nice and tasty.

I was still up at 3 a.m. last night. Effects of the chemo drugs I guess. Steroids.
Even after taking tylenol p.m. But as I told Tim today, I've been very lucky with the chemo treatments. No nausea. Hard to believe that yesterday I was given 3 strong drugs and today was like any other day. Am very thankful.

Chemo for me today...

My appt. with my oncologist was at 9:20 a.m. today. All my blood work came out fine. Thank goodness. The only think I mentioned to him as a side effect was the nose bleeds I have been getting. But as I had read, that is caused by avastin. As long as they don't last longer than 5 minutes, I am in good shape. And today I've been noticing a runny drippy nose. Funny because another cancer survivor Ann had mentioned that she gets that also from avastin.

It was a drug filled day for me. For the first time I was given 3 drugs. The chemo drug Taxol, zomeda for bone strength and avastin to stop blood flow to tumor. And yes, the port worked great. I agreed to having all 3 today since zomeda had been postponed on my last treatment since I had been experiencing sensitivity in my teeth. I had my dentist check them out, and was given a fluoride treatment. Have to be careful with teeth, not able to have any dental work (except like x rays) without approval from oncologist. A side effect is problems with your jaw. It seems that all drugs have side effects. Heck, even the drugs can harm you.

By 10 a.m. the IV's were being connected to my port. I did snooze a bit. I think I was there until either 1:30 or 2:30 p.m. Chemo brain, can't remember. Just know it was for awhile. Had some chicken salad for lunch, and then went into my "cave" for about 3 hrs. for sleep. I had woken up with headache which lasted most of the day. It wasn't until I took excedrin after my nap that it went away. And of course, I had no caffeine soda in my house to drink.

Tim is on his way home. Should be here between 10 p.m. and midnight. Barry's already taking bets that he won't call until he's just about at church.

Tim phones home...

Just got off the phone with Tim. He's having a blast, even is enjoying going to daily mass in the morning. Says the priest is wicked nice, explains the sermon in clear and precise language that the kids understand. Plus there is lots of Christian singing, where the words are put up on a big screen to sing along to. Kids clapping and singing. I haven't heard Tim this talkative in a long time. Lots of good conversation coming from his mouth. I said that next year I should chaperone and go also. His job this week as been to paint a pro-life housing building, a place where pregnant girls can go for counseling with abortion not being the way out. Said all the help are volunteers and they don't have a lot of money.
Tomorrow is his last day on the job. He's met kids from all over the US. I would say this mission trip was a success.

His call was a nice picker upper for Barry!

A difficult treatment for Barry

This most recent chemo treatment for Barry has and is difficult for him. Has been either on couch or in bed most of the time since coming home. Not really able to get comfortable or to sleep. Abdominal pain, just can't get comfortable.

Cancer sucks.

Tim leaves for his mission trip

Tim and I got up at 5:30 a.m. to get to church for their mission trip departure at 6:30 a.m. Geez, two early wake up calls in a few days. 12 kids went along with 5 chaperones. Last year there were only 3 kids so at least it's 4 times more this year. A small group but a new youth group ministry. 2 minivans and a car loaded to the roof. The kids were quite excited. I told them they should name the trip "Mission Possible." I went home and went back to bed until 10:30 a.m. Hasn't even been 24 hrs. and I miss Tim already. He's gone cell phone free and I'm attempting to be a big girl. Know that he's in good company and enjoying himself. Tomorrow will be their first day "on the job" and I can't wait to hear the stories of their trip.

Barry took it easy today, continues to be a bit sore which is totally expected. His chemo treatments take a toll on him but he's not a complainer. Doesn't even like to take meds except alleve. More of a man than I am! He goes for his neulasta shot tomorrow. I took my usual long nap today. And as usual, Barry would have liked to nap but couldn't fall asleep. Steroids at work.

I have my appointment with Dr. G. my oncologist on Friday, followed by another chemo treatment. If memory serves me correctly, after this cycle of 3 Fridays in a row I should be having a repeat CT scan to show how the tumor is doing in size.

Barry's 9th ? chemoebolization is done...

Even though yesterday was Friday the 13th, for the most part (at least for me) it was a very good day. And that might seem strange for some considering the reason we were in Pittsburgh. But you know, it was.

Got to the hospital at 6 a.m. (usual time) and I was so pleased to see that the cubicle Barry was in had a chair that reclined. This has never happened before. This was in the short stay unit where he is prepped for his treatment. So I quickly reclined and was talking to Barry about it. A nurse overheard the conversation and asked if I wanted a blanket. Now an angel has spoken to me! Of course I said yes and for the first time in over a year, I was comfy as could be while with Barry at the hospital. Eventually Dr. G., his liver oncologist came to check on him. The CT scan showed slight growth in the nodules on his lungs (said miniscule growth, not to be concerned) and that the liver had decreased slightly in size. And it was explained that the chemo would once again be aimed at this same tumor as last cycle. Barry knew that pain would probably follow as it did last time. Dr. G's assistant spoke with the staff and was told that I could stay put while he was having the treatment, as long as I wanted to. The cubicle in question would have no more patients. After Barry was taken off to his treatment, a nurse even stopped by and offered me any kind of drink I wanted. She also closed the curtain for privacy. Had TV to watch and a comfy chair. Life was good. Eventually I shut the TV off and listened to my MP3 player. And dozed zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Nice!

Got up at noon and went to cafeteria for slice of pizza. I had been told earlier that the Family House had a room available for me nearby. So at about 1 p.m. I walked there to check in. Unfortunately it was not ready yet. They apologized and I said that I would just rest on the couch. Once again, I lied down and dozed for about an hr. Room still wasn't ready but that was OK. I was off to check on Barry since it was about 2:30 p.m.

I was told of his room number and found him with no trouble. And as expected, he was in a good amount of pain/discomfort. After 2 pain killer meds did not give him relief, the nurse contacted the doctor on call and Barry was prescribed a 3rd painkiller. I have that name now written down for future treatments. This wasg given to him at 5:30 p.m. Shortly afterwards he was able to go to "snore mode" which made me feel good. Forgot one thing, I was pleasantly surprised to see another chair that reclined in the room. And I was greeted my his nurse who chatted with me for awhile (noticed my bald head, start of good conversation). Went off and got me a blanket and a Pepsi, along with pudding. This was the first time Barry had stayed on this floor and the first time that the staff was exceptional. I'm writing the hospital about that. And you guessed it, another nap.

At about 7 p.m. our good friend Becky arrived with her husband and son to take me out to dinner. This was something they wanted to do for me. No one usually comes to Pittsburgh and they know how long the day is for me. I met them outside as Barry was sleeping. We went to a part of Pittsburgh that I had never been to. Called South Side where some of the streets were closed for the activities. A band playing, restaurants with outside tables and just a lot of fun. I felt like I was on vacation. We ate at Cheesecake Factory and I had the best shrimp scampi. Lots of garlic, great taste. Most of all it was a great change of scenery for me.

After dinner, they brought me back to the hospital and we went to say goodnight to Barry. He was awake, groggy though. He had just been given medication. We didn't stay long. And as a treat they drove me to the Family House where I stay overnight.
I didn't have to worry about walking the streets alone.

I got to the hospital at about 9 today and Barry was discharged at about 11:30 a.m.
He's now in bed sleeping. I'm glad that the treatment is done.

I want to personally thank Lisa and family for once again taking good care of Tim while we were gone. I never have a worry and am very thankful. I also want to thank Beckster and family for their company and for the great meal in the city. That restaurant area is definitely on my "to go back to list". Very enjoyable.

Tim leaves first thing in a.m. for his mission trip to Prince Fredrick, MD. Will be gone all week. He's been looking forward to it.

Barry's chemo tomorrow

We head into Pittsburgh for 6 a.m. arrival for Barry's next chemoembolization procedure. Tim will be staying with Ben. That's it for now. Will update blog if I have a chance tomorrow.

Blame it on avastin

I now can blame the terrible zits on my head on avastin, since once again they are back. And boy do they hurt. They ache right through to my inside of my head. Guess as far as side effects go, that's not too bad. But you know, I can complain once in awhile. A couple of them seem as big as our town pool! I continue to use the antibiotic cream on my head, as my hair also seems to be coming back. The nurse did tell me that it was the avastin, and that she has seen heads worse than mine. And they had hair which made putting the ointment on the sores even harder. You can't win.


Good thing I'm not going on any photo shoot!

Taxol and avastin for me today/CT Scans for Barry today

Both of us had doctor appts. today. Barry went for his usual CT scans in preparation for his next chemoembolization procedure which should be next Friday. And I went to the Cancer Center for my chemo treatment. Today's treatment was taxol and avastin. And yes, the new port worked fine. No problems. It would have been the bone strengthening drug instead of avastin, but since I had mentioned my sensitive teeth to my oncologist he put that drug on hold until I got back to him. And unfortunately he had taken off today. So when I see him in 2 weeks, I will be able to update him on my teeth. Glad to report that since I had a fluoride treatment last week, and used sensodyne for a couple of days, my teeth appear to be fine. The bone drug in question does have possible side effects with the jaw, therefore you have to be very cautious. The one thing that I heard about avastin is that could be the cause of my zit head. That will be easy to spot for me!

Today ends my 2nd round of this chemo treatment. I'm off next week (but will be taking Barry for his chemo) from having chemo. A round or cylce consists of 3 Fridays of chemo, and then a Friday off. My plan is to have a total 3 rounds and then have a chest CT scan to see how the cancer is being effected by the chemo. I can notice a small change. But unlike the first time I was diagnosed with breast cancer, there is no known number of treatments I will be having. I'm often asked that of Barry: how's he doing and how many chemo treatments does he have to go through? Unfortunately, there is no answer to the second question just as with me. We keep pluggin' through.

After our appts. Barry and I went out for late lunch/early dinner. Tim weed wacked a neighbor's yard. I took a nap as usual at about 5 p.m. And we just got back from having ice cream at our local stand. A little treat.

So ends another Friday.

Last day of my "vacation"

Yes, it's been 2 weeks and it's back to work tomorrow. The first week was truly a vacation, time spent with family on Cape Cod. The second week, well, I don't actually call that a vacation. Having some surgery followed by weekly chemo is not your typical vacation agenda. But I guess you can say I used the time off as best as I could, since I am new at a job with no paid time off.

Not only am I going back to work tomorrow, but it's back to work with one less person there. Plus it's the busiest month of the year. I have to put everything into perspective, I'm just one person and new at the job also. And understand that the world goes on no matter what.

By the way, having swordfish on the grill tonight. My going away gift from my parents! Mmmmmm. Can taste it already.

One word: constipation

I don't think I have to go any farther than this. It was not one of my better days. Not that I'm complaining, oh well, maybe I am for a change. Didn't leave the yard today. Basically was in the bathroom the majority of the day. I think I've had too many drugs this week, between anesthesia, vicadin, kytrol, and taxol just enough to mess me up. I was able to finally sleep for awhile which made the day go by a bit faster. But I think I'm over the hump finally. You see, I try to be honest and tell it like it is. Barry just tells me I'm full of sh*t!

Hoping tomorrow is a better day.

PS I do think my head zits are better today. Thank goodness.

New port used today!

They were able to use my new port today at the Cancer Center. They drew blood from it and gave me my chemo from it. Was a bit tender but nothing to complain about. Needle went in with no pain at all. Thank God or perhaps thank JK for her suggestion! Am always appreciative when suggestions are given to me. Nurses at the center love ports, and I think I have to agree. Very easy to use. I was given Taxol only today as my chemo drug. I was there just a little over 2 hrs. which isn't bad. The only problem was after the needle was withdrawn and the nurse was attempting to stick down the steri strips from the surgery, there was a lot of blood. Soaked through a few gauze pads, but it was eventually under control. She just had me sit a few minutes extra to make sure it had stopped bleeding. The area involved was so new.

Came home and rested for a couple of hours as usual.

Tim's gone away with his buddy Ben to their camp. The boys will be dirt biking this weekend. Before he left he quickly did his weed wacking job. I can't believe how fast he worked with an ultimatum, do the job or you can't go! Guess it's called motivation. But it does look nice now.

Barry and I went out to dinner with a gift certificate friends got for us. It was nice and the food was very good. We have so many friends and are so thankful for them.

After coming home from dinner I mowed the lawn with the walk behind mower, not the sit down mower. And I was so proud of myself that I could do it with only 1 arm. I didn't use my left arm since that is the side the port is in. I figured using the push mower was easier since it didn't involve shifting. I didn't quite finish it because it got dark. Tomorrow I'll do that. While mowing, a neighbor stopped to say hi. They were walking another neighbor's dog. Funny how things work out. The day of my surgery someone had delivered some food for us and Tim did not know their name. But this man asked me how we liked the lasagna. Told him that solved the question! And of course, the food was great.

Well, that's it for today. Thinking of taking a shower but not sure if I should or not. Just because of the port area still gauzed up from this a.m. Oh well, decisions...decisions....

PS. As I mowed the lawn I thought again how lucky we've been with chemo. Sure, the cancer sucks. But geez, I hear so many stories of people who have been sick with these drugs and I have been so lucky "so far" with not getting nauseous.

Port was inserted yesterday

Well, here I am back bloggin'. Didn't blog yesterday due to being at hospital most of the day.

It started at 11:30 a.m. when I had to check in. Procedure for inserting mediport was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. But there was a long delay. I didn't get to the operating room until 4:30 p.m.! To start with, the nurse had trouble getting an IV started in my arm. She had to call the IV tech person, who took more than an hour to get to my room. As Barry said, she must have been on lunch break. I was eventually told at 2:30 p.m. that it was going to be another hour before my turn for surgery. Any way you look at it, it was a long day. And liquid via IV was not making my hunger go away along with the eventual headache I had.

I entered the operating room at 4:31 p.m. and was given the "twilight" anesthesia, not totally out. Could hear conversations and sense the incision taking place. It took a little over an hour to insert the mediport. After returning to my room, I had a ham sandwich and cookies, along with ginger ale. I was discharged shortly after. I had no trouble coming out of the anesthesia. But I did and still do hurt from the work done.

Immediately took a vicadin when I got home.

I slept on and off during the night. Difficult sleeping with the incision, found it best to lay flat on my back with pillow under my arm area. The port was inserted on my left side just under my collarbone. Will be using it tomorrow for my next chemo treatment. I took the heavy bandage covering off this a.m.

My head continues to be zit infested. I continue to use the antibiotic cream on it. Also is a bit itchy from either the zits or the hair trying to grow. Who knows.

I got dressed at about noon after cat napping in the morning. Barry and I went to a couple of stores in the afternoon. By the time we got home, I was ready for jammies again. Had a very bad headache which continued even while I rested. Now it's gone thank God. The area is very sore which is to be expected per my friend JK who had same procedure years ago. Unable to lift my left arm above my head.

Got phone call today from Barry's Pittsburgh dr. to set up his CT scans for next Friday. Not a very convenient time or place. Usually he goes to Hillman Cancer Ctr. but since they didn't make the appt. timely, he has to go to another hospital for the tests. And this cycle of treatment requires him to also have a MUGA scan. It looks like he'll be in the city most of that day due to scheduling both appts. far between each other. His next chemo treatment will probably be July 13th which works out for me, that's my off Friday for my chemo. I had been so concerned how he would get to Pittsburgh if I was having my own chemo on the same day. Now problem is solved.

Am hoping I sleep better tonight. And am anxious to see how the port works tomorrow. Will be first time I've ever seen one in action.

Not a pretty picture, but it's my reality right now. My whole head aches from the zits. Using antibiotic cream for them.

 

Having a port "inserted" tomorrow. What a vacation...

Now what better way is there to spend your summer vacation but to insert a port for chemo. Have to be at hospital at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow and the procedure will be at 1:30 p.m.

Head continues to ache from the zits that are popping out on my head. On another topic, I did have my teeth checked out for sensitivity issues. Had a fluroride treatment and have been told to use sensodyne along with regular toothpaste. Getting all my appts. done while on vacation. Lucky me.

But the port should work out for me in the long run. Especially with weekly chemo, and only one arm able to use for BP and IV's due to lymph nodes removed on the other arm.
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Port:

An implanted device through which blood may be withdrawn and drugs may be infused without repeated needle sticks. Also called a port-a-cath.

They grow overnight...

For a day or so, my zits on my head were disappearing. But now, since I'm back to fresh chemo they have multiplied overnight and are sore. But if that's my biggest problem with chemo that's nothing! Just call me zit head. Plus my hair apprently wants to grow back. Will see what happens.

Have called my surgeon to have a port put in this week while I'm on vacation. They think it can be done this week without any problem. Had noticed that the area around my hand from previous chemo area is black and blued beneath the skin.

Another great day here, but himidity has returned. But do need some rain.

Stopped by my job today to say goodbye to a co-worker who is moving back to Wisconsin. Will miss her but know that she's going back to be with her family, and that's number 1. Not sure what next week will hold when I return to work since I've heard that July is an extremely busy month for closing of the year. But have told myself that I can just take one step at a time. Maintaining my health is top priority. And so far I think I'm doing a pretty good job.

Our neighbors have gotten together and have arranged meals for the next month for us. For our family and another neighbor who has been touched by cancer. Twice a week we've been told that meals will be brought to us. And tonight was the first night. And boy was it tasty. Have talked about this before, and I will once again say that this community is truly a great community. In the past I would never have thought of accepting food from people, but have realized that others want to help out in this way. And to accept this offering. And I am truly thankful to have such caring and generous friends.

Thanks.

Took a nice nap this afternoon. Was too hot to be outside today. Did our watering of lawn after 8 p.m. tonight, and even then it was 80 degrees outside.

A nice day in the neighborhood

I feel pretty good today. And that makes me happy. Slept good.

In the morning, Tim weed wacked the yard while Barry and I did some touch up mowing.
The yard looks pretty good. Have to throw some grass seed on some areas that need a bit more help.

After the yard work, we went to a graduation party. Lots of good food and friendship.

We then went over to Ohio and bought Tim a new acoustic guitar. Since buying an electric guitar, we do see him playing it a lot, and getting better at it each time.
It's kind of soothing to me to listen to as he plays it. My only request is no music when I go to bed. I need silence, unlike others who need sound.

My car truly needed a vacuum job and dusting, so that was my thing to do after our day of traveling.

The boys are watching the Crankees (Yankees) and making lots of comments about the game. A long game and tied. Nice to listen to them, special bonding time.

PS They just lost the game. 17 hits and only 5 runs.

A welcoming sign for us. And boy was it a great vacation, especially seeing and hugging family. Gives me strength to go on.