The end of June is here

I slept great. I do not remember waking so I feel pretty rested today. I have had a shower, washed my hair, started the dishwasher, started a load of laundry, finished a book, spoken to the IRS, talked to my mom, talked to the nurse, talked to Ken, checked e-mail, checked school, e-mail, chatted on-line on the phone with my daughter, checked FB, checked my balance with the bank, paid a couple of bills, chatted on-line on the computer with a cousin in Scotland, and let the dog in and out numerous times and it is just now noon!
I am still nauseated and the nurse is calling in a new prescription. Good news is I can take my headache medicine for my headaches. I think I will take one and let go of this headache. Maybe I can start to feel like myself more. I have a great neice to meet today or tomorrow and I want to make a good impression.

1st day out

I did not sleep well last night. I think I have never slept so much in my adult life and so I couldn't sleep well last night. I had an appointment with the surgeon today to check my port. All is well with the port. I can lift my arm and use it naturally again. The port site is sore and that is to be expected, but will lessen with time.
The nausea is still a leading problem. I am taking the several medicines, but it is not helping. I think I will check with the oncologist for something else.
I went up to school and moved furniture around, well let's just say I indicated where I wanted it and two of our wonderful custodians took care of everything for me. The ladies were so helpful and I really appreciate them. I got a few things worked out and worked on. Then on to the doctor.
When Ken got home we did a few errands and went and looked at recliners. He was happy, but I want to make sure so we will make a trip to OKC to check there. I am tired and feel like I did something for a change. Maybe I will sleep solid tonight.
It is old man night and Ken's dad is about to arrive for dinner, so I will close.

Better Today

I got a headache yesterday afternoon. This led to nausea and lots and lots of puking. I absolutely hate to puke! It is the worst. So between all the anti nausea stuff and 3 rounds of puking it was a horrible first day.
Today was better. I got up and got dressed. I have spent my time in the chair downstairs and the bed upstairs. I am taking the anti nausea medicine and drinking water. Ken brought me a strawberry banana smoothie about 12:00. I finished it about 5:00. Around 7:00 he fixed me a small bowl of chicken noodle soup and 4 crackers. So far so good. About 8:15 I am having my first diet coke of the day. Again so far so good. I have high hopes for tomorrow!
I am about ready to call it a night. I have done nothing and I am so worn out. It has been an effort to just be. This to shall pass and tomorrow will be better! Thank you again for all the calls and notes. They really do make a difference.

Chemo Today

Ken and I went out to eat breakfast. Then we went to the cancer center for my first round of chemo. It went faster than we anticipated. Haley drove up from Houston last night to Kayla's in McKinney. This morning Kayla and Haley drove up to be with me during chemo.
Then the four of us went out to lunch. Now I am back home, the girls are gone, I have a raging headache, and Ken is out getting a new fangled thermometer.
I think I am going to go upstairs and lie down. Sorry there isn't more to the post.

I guess you are wondering about the picture. That is my collarbone area. I am pointing to the bruised area where they had trouble getting to my vein. So they went up higher and the power port is the lower taped area. My neck is sore.
Today, I had to go for an ultra sound. The oncologist wanted the fibroid tumor measured to see if it has grown any. They told me to go with my bladder full. I thank God that I am a teacher. A full bladder is one thing that is easy for teachers. So I have done the ultrasound and she didn't think it had grown any. Good news!
The cancer center called and changed my time to 11:00 for chemo tomorrow. I was disappointed to have my time changed, but I have to understand that is not in my control. Patience is testing me every chance that comes along! Speaking of patience...do you know how many times you raise your hand without thinking about it. I do! Let me give you a few examples ... scratching your head, putting on your shirt, brushing-washing your hair, putting on-taking off shirts, and stretching! Oh my goodness I have limited use of the right hand, and the left one hurts, and it is uncomfortable to turn my head. This to shall pass! I can do this! It is what it is!

Oncologist Appointment #2

I just thought all the tests were done. The results of the Pet Scan were good, but she, the oncologist, wants the fibroid tumor in my uterus checked to see if it has grown since the last ultrasound. Which I am proud to say was last September. Tomorrow, I will go have the ultrasound. No needles are involved with this test, so that is a big yeah!
Ken and I got a lesson on the medicine I will be taking and all the side effects for each medicine. I will actually be taking something to combat cancer for the next 6 years. Thankfully, only the next 24 weeks will be really tough. The first 12 weeks have the worst side effects - heart damage, hair loss, visual disturbance, mouth sores, nausea & vomiting, &/or constipation & diarrhea. The second 12 weeks I will have different side effects - pain 3-4 days, numbness in toes and fingers that could be permanent, rashes, and changes in my fingernails. The next medicine won't have side effects, but the last medicine, herceptin, for 5 years will have heart damage as a side effect. The oncologist said my heart will be checked at regular intervals.
She was very happy with the heart strength and my labs were good. She is very optimistic and has given me lots of information and medicine to prevent nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores. Thank goodness, because I hate to vomit.
After we went through all of this information she asked when I wanted to start. I said Friday! She called her nurse in and made it happen. I will go in at 9:15 on Friday. I am anxious to get this started so I can get this journey behind me.
I can handle this! I am okay unless I think about the details of this journey. I feel like my summer is just flying by and I haven't enjoyed any of it. I know that this to shall pass (in time). Thank you for the cards. They brighten my day so much. Ken is so wonderful he goes to every appointment with me and just gives me strength. I am so blessed to have him in my life.

Port Surgery

We got a call about 15 minutes before we were planning to leave for surgery asking if we could go ahead and come early. I am glad the doctor and crew were eager to get started, that made half of us! This is a short surgery. I had a power port put in. I was given a card to carry and bonus** a purple bracelet! Whoo hoo!
My wonderful surgeon asked about the pet scan results, which I told him I just did it yesterday and I didn't know anything. He said he would check into that. He did and found out that there was only one area of concern. I have a (some?) fibroid tumors in my uterus. We will find out more tomorrow with the oncologist.
I can't raise my hand for a whole week and I will go back to see the surgeon next Tuesday. I came home and laid propped up in bed and dozed with the dog by my side. Ken fed me and then went off to work. I am very sore and it hurts to cough. I get to take the bandage off tomorrow and see what it looks like. Maybe it will be picture worthy!
Ken is home, I am downstairs now, and dinner is about ready. Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes. We are going to find out the details of the plan tomorrow. Now we are talking!

Pet Scan

Another new experience! My instructions said no strenuous activity, eat high protein, and drink 4 8 oz glasses of water. But don't eat or drink 4 hours before the test. So not to bad, I did get to eat breakfast. The down side was no diet coke this morning. (Not until 3:30 when the test was over!) That makes for a long day.
We got to the place in OKC in plenty of time. I filled out the paperwork and waited. I really had no idea what to expect. They called me back about 12:45 and I am put in a tiny room. They sit me down in a heated recliner and put a blanket on me without asking if I needed one. One look at me should tell them I am pretty fluffy and I am probably not cold. Now she tries to get a line going. First she tries at the inside bend of my elbow, no go. Next, she tries on the top of my hand, again no go. Oh, but I do have a bruise there. So after telling me she is not working with me she gets another person to come stick me. Thankfully, she gets me in the top of my hand first time. Yeah! She then injects me with saline and radioactive stuff, the syringe is in a thick metal casing. Have you noticed my obsession, I am finding these increasingly disturbing! Hmm! Then she says relax and gives me the TV control. Cool, I actually have the power. Of course, I am by myself.
About 3:00 she finally comes to get me for the test. Now this was easy in the big picture kind of way. I lay down complete with a pillow for my head, a large wedge for my legs (my feet actually go to sleep), and my arms above my head. My left arm is very uncomfortable above my head from the last surgery, but I can do this! I continued to tell myself that for the next 25 minutes. And I did it!
Finally, the test is over and I get a complimentary drink and snack! Whoo hoo! My first diet coke of the day. Little things make me very happy. Ken and I went to eat and now we both feel better. Next, we face surgery tomorrow. We had a call that my time has changed. I report in at 10:45. We are one step closer. I got a couple of cards today from dear friends. Thank you so much. It sure does brighten my day to know someone is thinking of me.

Genetic Testing

Yesterday Ken and I went to OKC for the Braca test. I thought I was going to give a little blood, but I was surprised. We met with a genetic counselor, who was very impressive. She asked a lot of questions about family members. Since I come from a very small family it was fairly fast and easy. She drew a diagram of the family and made notes about each member and added dates. She was very knowledgeable about all things concerning genes and cancer and spoke about it in such a way we had no problem understanding the information. She also was very patient about all our questions. The one thing she was eager to check out was my brain tumor pathology report. I hope there doesn't turn out to be any connection there.
Ken is working today. I have spent the morning in my creating room. I sent a project off in the mail. I went to get some material for another project, took it to the quilter, and picked up another project from the quilter. It feels so good!
Next week will be busy. I am hopeful chemo could start next week and I am not sure how much I will feel like doing, so I am trying to get things organized.
Take care and enjoy the weekend.

Relaxing Day

I started today with my continuing exercise plan to build strength and stamina. Today I walked on the treadmill. It doesn't take much to make me tired. But, at least I feel like I am helping myself.
I began the day thinking I have 2 tests on Friday, nothing on Monday, surgery on Tuesday, and the oncologist on Wednesday. I got a call rescheduling the Pet scan to Monday. I can't exercise on Monday and I have to eat a small protein meal before the test. I can't exercise on Tuesday before the surgery. Rats!
So anyway, I spent the day enjoying a day without doctors. I spent the day in my sewing room. I was being creative, and enjoying every second of it! Trying to get a jump on Christmas.

Doctor Visit

Two days since the last update and we did nothing cancer related. We went to church on Sunday and relaxed. Yesterday, I started walking and then did nothing until bunco. We were short a few players, but it didn't stop us! Our hostess had very tasty snacks, we played, laughed, and enjoyed each others company. It was wonderful to be out with caring girlfriends! (Oh, I also won! Yeah!)
I got to go back to see the surgeon again today! He was very happy with my surgical site (my arm pit). He ripped off some of the steri-strips (and I do mean ripped). He apologized, but the smile was evil! He did a couple of snips and said he was very happy with the way I am healing.
I am trying to improve my health for this ordeal, so I started on Monday. A dear friend and neighbor at school agreed to help me out and be my exercise buddy. So we walked on Monday, rode bikes today, and tomorrow the plan is to do the machines. I asked and got permission from my doctor to exercise my arm. He was all for it. So my plan is to alternate the 3 activities. I am starting out slowly and hope to build up my strength and stamina. Thank you to LW , for being my exercise buddy.
My doctor had received a request from the oncologist to put in a port. So we set the date for another surgery for June 22nd to put in the port. He showed me where he would put it under my collar bone on the right side under the skin. I took the paperwork and pre-registered at the surgery center.
Now, the next step, is to have the Braca test on Friday. Friday will be a busy day with the Braca test at 1:30 and then the Pet scan at 3:30. We will be going to locations that I am not familiar with (and I am directionally challenged), so I am very glad that Ken is able to go with me. As soon as we get these tests results, we will know more about my total diagnosis. I hope it doesn't take to long to get all the results. Sounds like an opportunity for a lesson in patience is about to be upon me! It is what it is!

A Good Day

Ken has taken the bandage off of the drain site. The tape was driving me crazy. My skin is red and irritated at the edge of the tape. I am beginning to think I am allergic to the tape. I have a small hole in my side where the drain came out. A regular band aid is doing the trick. Yeah! As soon as the sticky from the tape goes away my bra won't stick to me. I am guessing that the hole will heal in time.
Now, I kind of assumed that same thing when I had surgery in 2002, but that didn't happen. And that is how I came to have a hole in my head! Hmm! Makes one wonder.
Ken and I joined some of the sorority girls and drove to Chandler for ice cream in the park, then on to downtown Stroud for wine tasting, and then to eat Mexican food at a surprisingly good restaurant in Stroud. The weather was as good as can be expected in June and a good time was had by all. I even got pictures of Janet and the mechanical bull ride. Great fun!
Get out and enjoy some fun with friends!

A Step Closer

This morning I did the test to check my heart. While I was at the cancer center this morning I got my appointment for the pet scan. I am hoping they will also do the Braca test. All of this happens on the 18th of June in Oklahoma City.
This afternoon the tube hanging out of my side was taken out. Big yeah! Now I have a dressing on it for a couple of days. It feels so good to have it out.
To celebrate I got a route 44 diet coke on the way home. I drove by a house with a man mowing and it smelled so sweet. Life is good!

Oncologist Appointment

Ken and I are cautiously optimistic after the oncology appointment. I spent about 30-45 minutes on paperwork. By the time I got in to see the doctor I was very anxious and so not the calm person I usually am. It so hit me again how very real this is. (Like I actually forget!)
We liked the doctor, she is very straight forward and easy to talk to. I did some lab work today and I have 3 tests that are next. Tomorrow is the NVG, which determines if my heart is healthy enough for chemo drugs. Then as soon as they are scheduled, which could be a bump in our road because Blue Cross Blue Shield doesn't approve these without a fight, I will have a pet scan to see if the cancer is anywhere else and a Braca (sp) test to test for another kind of cancer. If the Braca is positive it will change my treatment - it means a double mastectomy.
The optimistic part is if those test go as the doctor thinks, we will start chemo. I am at a stage 2B for now. I will have a port put in and then every 3 weeks I will go in to the cancer center and be out in 3 hours. I will be able to drive myself. She knows my desire is to keep teaching and says I can do this on Fridays and be back to school on Monday. If Mondays are hard Friday can be adjusted to Thursday. She said the hardest part will be losing my hair. Hmm, been there and done that with the brain tumor.
I will also take another medicine called hercipine that is a preventative drug that there has been great success with that has been out since 2006. I am so thankful that all of this is available here in Shawnee. My life is certainly looking up! Tomorrow I will have the NVG in the morning and the drain taken out in the afternoon. Two good things. I go back to the surgeon on the 14th and we will discuss the port and I return to the oncologist on the 16th and we will discuss the chemo drug and the side effects and solidify "The Plan". I feel so much better knowing there is a plan with specific steps that come next. I will survive, love my family, love my friends, and teach another year all because of God! A big Thank you goes out to everyone who has spoken to Him on my behalf. Keep those lines of communication open. Ken and I are very blessed.

Waiting

I have expanded the blogging with a picture. (Sorry, it is so gross!) The bruising is going away and the steri-strips are starting to loosen. The draining is lessening, but still annoying. No way are people suppose to have hoses come out of their bodies. It is mildly uncomfortable and I am totally concerned about somehow pulling it out.
My upper arm is numb and often I can't tell exactly what it is touching. Today, while I am sitting still my arm will start feeling weird. It is like a clawing from inside or my other favorite feeling a gazillion teeny tiny ants stinging me.
I am ready for my appointment tomorrow with the oncologist. I want to get started on the treatment, so I can get this over. I am not good with this kind of patience. God knows I can be patient with children, I can be patient living in a construction zone, I can be patient saving money for a special purchase, and I can even be patient paying off a bill dollar by dollar. This waiting has been torture for me. I have a feeling that God is going to be giving me lots of opportunities to learn patience. I hope to be a quick learner.

Results

The nurse called with the news. The doctor took out 15 lymph nodes and 4 of them had cancer. I am told this is good news. So out of all the lymph nodes 7 had cancer. I am uncomfortable with the drain, I found it was hard to sleep. I am regulated to sleeping on my back and I am much more comfortable on the left side. The cough still persists.
On the upside a dear friend (LW) brought our dinner over. Mighty fine eating. Thank you! I feel so blessed to have friends. Thank you for the cards, magazines, candy, and meals. I am hopeful that the treatment will not make me unable to function for days on end. That is a big worry hanging over my head. One step at a time. It is what it is!

Another Surgery

I am home once again. Surgery this morning to remove all the lymph nodes under the left arm. My arm feels like all the blood has been drained out of it. I am more tired after this surgery than I was after the last two.
Bonus! I came home with a drain that I get to keep for the whole week, plus a hospital bra! Life keeps getting better. Ken is so excited about draining the fluid!
My doctor is wonderful and so are the same day surgical girls out at Unity. They have been so good to me. They just didn't know I was going to be a repeat customer!
They intubated me again, so the cough persists.
I feel good, of course, we aren't counting my arm, I am cold, the cough, the drain and the fact that my girls are squashed!
Results of the lymph nodes should be back possibly Friday or Monday. We are hopeful they won't find anymore with cancer.
I was in a Sister Study designed to study the sisters of women with cancer based on my sister who had a different kind of cancer 4 1/2 years ago. I called yesterday to drop out. Bummer!
The next step is to heal and wait on the oncology appointment. It can't happen fast enough for me.
I am so blessed to have the good care, loving family, and caring friends. Thank you for everything, everybody.

More News

June 2, 2010
The doctor called and asked me to come in today. He said he had good news and bad news. The good news is all the margins were good on my breast so it is okay. The bad news is there was cancer found in my lymph nodes. Tomorrow I will undergo surgery to remove all the lymph nodes on my left side. I have Stage 3 cancer.
The next step will be meeting with the oncologist. The oncologist will be here in Shawnee. My doctor is in the process of scheduling that now. So the chemo should start in July.
I am feeling a bit blue with this news. In the scheme of things it won't change my treatment much, but it my add radiation after the chemo is over. Things will work out and I will be teaching this fall.
Thank you for all the prayers. Ken and I appreciate them.

June 1, 2010
It is our 16th anniversary. Ken and I have enjoyed such a great life so far and we are looking forward to all the twists and turns that will come our way. We married later in life with a ready made large family, so nothing has been real traditional. This anniversary wasn't either. We are celebrating with a mastectomy! (I really hate seeing the worry on Ken's face.)
My doctor is wonderful. He came in to speak to me before the surgery. He is so calming and has a wonderful bedside manner. He told us before the surgery that he would try to only do a partial mastectomy, but that would only be if he felt that the margins were positively clear. I went into surgery planning on the full mastectomy and I was pleasantly surprised with the partial mastectomy.
A lot of the family was on hand for support. I am very blessed to have so many people that care. Thank you to all my kids, Mom, Bob, and all my friends.
It was a good procedure, most of you heard it was a partial mastectomy! Bonus! He also took out lymph nodes. We should get results Wednesday. If the report shows any cancer I can expect to go back into surgery on Thursday. Please continue to keep me in your thoughts.
I went home and we went to lunch and then we had a huge family meal. It was a great anniversary celebration, we loved it!