As I'm winding my way out of the last of the big chemo side effects, I've discovered another one of the "upsides" to having breast cancer and going through chemo treatments.....and losing my hair.
When shopping, I always get so hot when trying on clothes........well, today it occurred to me that I didn't have to keep my hair on while doing so...............SO, OFF came the wig for the duration of the time in the dressing room! AWESOME!!! And, I've also found that when I need to adjust the thing, it's better to take it off and start all over anyway...........not sure why................
Tomorrow is my favorite day of the year: NOVEMBER 1st!! As I loathe Halloween, I'm always thrilled that it's over for another year. Polley plans to go in costume tonight as an advocate for Breast Cancer Research..........she'll be decked out in pink and pink ribbons head to toe!!! Can't wait to see her! She made her percussion debut last night in concert at Medlin..........very impressive!~!! (photos later)
It's Friday! Enjoy!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Still Feelin' Pretty Good.
I can't believe how much better this post chemo round has been than the first! Thank Heavens!! Thanks to fluids and shots, I'm feeling pretty good. I do not like wearing this wig every day but I suppose it's worth it!!!
On a completely non-cancerous note: Sam made several tackles last night including his first quarterback SACK which caused a fumble! He was very excited! I hated missing the game but figured I'd better rest up so I could make work today!
We enjoyed a great meal from our friends, The Van Houten's last night!! Thanks so much!
I have another round of Herceptin on Thursday and am hoping for feeling pretty good throughout the next two weeks until round three of Chemo.
I couldn't do this without the love and support and prayers of EVERYONE!
Hope everyone is having a great week!
On a completely non-cancerous note: Sam made several tackles last night including his first quarterback SACK which caused a fumble! He was very excited! I hated missing the game but figured I'd better rest up so I could make work today!
We enjoyed a great meal from our friends, The Van Houten's last night!! Thanks so much!
I have another round of Herceptin on Thursday and am hoping for feeling pretty good throughout the next two weeks until round three of Chemo.
I couldn't do this without the love and support and prayers of EVERYONE!
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday Morning!
Well, it's Monday morning and I'm about to leave for work. I feel better after the weekend. I can't say that I feel great, but definitely better and since today doesn't demand a lot of me in the classroom, I think I'll be okay. I have to visit the doctor's office at noon to check blood, etc...
Yesterday brought the home health nurse for fluids, etc.........And, we were treated to an awesome dinner by our friends, The Grays! Thanks guys!
My mom helped Polley clean and sort items in her room...an ALL DAY job!!
The weather is cool and fall-like today. If THAT doesn't perk me up, nothing can. This has always been my favorite time of year........
Hope this is a great week for all!
Yesterday brought the home health nurse for fluids, etc.........And, we were treated to an awesome dinner by our friends, The Grays! Thanks guys!
My mom helped Polley clean and sort items in her room...an ALL DAY job!!
The weather is cool and fall-like today. If THAT doesn't perk me up, nothing can. This has always been my favorite time of year........
Hope this is a great week for all!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The 4th Day..Post Chemo
Well, it's Sunday and I wake up again feeling so strange and not good. But, I am not sick (at my stomach) nor do I have a massive headache, so that's pretty good. However, most every bone and muscle in my body either aches or just feels strange. I suspect that only those who've been through chemo can relate to the strangeness of this journey!
I'm expecting home health to come today to give me a white cell boosting shot and more fluids...not sure what else............
I got my wig trimmed yesterday....Thanks Elaine! I need to grade some papers today...hoping for the energy to surface as the day progresses!
more later.........
I'm expecting home health to come today to give me a white cell boosting shot and more fluids...not sure what else............
I got my wig trimmed yesterday....Thanks Elaine! I need to grade some papers today...hoping for the energy to surface as the day progresses!
more later.........
Thursday, October 23, 2008
So Far....So Good
I've just returned from the Doctor's office where I spent my noon conference period. They gave me a white cell boosting shot, some anti-nausea medicine and some fluids. Hopefully we'll combat those horrible side-effects that would otherwise be lurking in the near future!
And, today is DAY ONE of wearing my wig....it really isn't too bad except that the bangs need to be trimmed. I didn't want to get that done until all my hair was gone and we could have an accurate conception of exactly how it would fit.
And, as of last night, I have no hair. After fighting the losing battle of hair coming out and making a mess all over my bathroom, pillow, shower, etc.............I succumbed to Evan's clippers.........I look like a small boy who wouldn't sit still for the barber...consequently he has some digs/holes in his hair........and so do I!!!
So, thank goodness for the wig.............looks WAY better than my hair....what's left of it!!!
And, today is DAY ONE of wearing my wig....it really isn't too bad except that the bangs need to be trimmed. I didn't want to get that done until all my hair was gone and we could have an accurate conception of exactly how it would fit.
And, as of last night, I have no hair. After fighting the losing battle of hair coming out and making a mess all over my bathroom, pillow, shower, etc.............I succumbed to Evan's clippers.........I look like a small boy who wouldn't sit still for the barber...consequently he has some digs/holes in his hair........and so do I!!!
So, thank goodness for the wig.............looks WAY better than my hair....what's left of it!!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Round Two Update
Well, I've made it through round two treatment without incident. Based on several different things that we're going to do over the next five days, hopefully the side effects will be uneventful as well.
The BEST news of the day..........Dr. Jordan examined me and estimates that the tumor is approximately HALF the size that it was originally. So, thanks to the new drug, Herceptin, it is rapidly reducing. If you didn't see Lifetime Network's film, "Living Proof".......watch for it as it is most informative relative to the production and creation of Herceptin. My life would be very different right now if not for this drug.
On a side note, I had a friend who used to always say, "How does he know when you need it?" I wondered that very thing this morning during my early morning apprehension about today's big treatment. I sat down to check email and my nephew, Dustin had sent me this informal video of him singing "Where No One Stands Alone".....he and friends had just recorded it last night.........and I thought, "Man, how DOES the Good Lord know exactly WHAT you need and WHEN you need it? Thanks Dut and Praise God!
I hope this clip will open so you can hear this.
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=45061680
The BEST news of the day..........Dr. Jordan examined me and estimates that the tumor is approximately HALF the size that it was originally. So, thanks to the new drug, Herceptin, it is rapidly reducing. If you didn't see Lifetime Network's film, "Living Proof".......watch for it as it is most informative relative to the production and creation of Herceptin. My life would be very different right now if not for this drug.
On a side note, I had a friend who used to always say, "How does he know when you need it?" I wondered that very thing this morning during my early morning apprehension about today's big treatment. I sat down to check email and my nephew, Dustin had sent me this informal video of him singing "Where No One Stands Alone".....he and friends had just recorded it last night.........and I thought, "Man, how DOES the Good Lord know exactly WHAT you need and WHEN you need it? Thanks Dut and Praise God!
I hope this clip will open so you can hear this.
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=45061680
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Round Two
After enjoying over a week of feeling really good, it's time for round two of the chemo tomorrow. Although I thoroughly believe that we can make it less dreadful this time, I still DREAD it like the plague!
In an effort to think positively, I've decided to create today's top ten list of nice things that have happened to me recently thanks to the kind efforts of others:
(These are listed in NO particular order)
1. My co-workers, Wendy and Abbey, surprised me one Monday morning by having decorated one wall in my classroom with student work. I'd planned to do this prior to being diagnosed, so they just took my idea and finished it.....A wonderful surprise!!
In an effort to think positively, I've decided to create today's top ten list of nice things that have happened to me recently thanks to the kind efforts of others:
(These are listed in NO particular order)
1. My co-workers, Wendy and Abbey, surprised me one Monday morning by having decorated one wall in my classroom with student work. I'd planned to do this prior to being diagnosed, so they just took my idea and finished it.....A wonderful surprise!!
2. My friend and co-worker, Kathy has sent me a card a week since this all began. Even though they've all had animals on them, they've been perfect and helped the tough days pass!
3. My brother and sister-in-law basically redecorated my bedroom....new bedding, curtains, curtain rods.........WOW!
3. My brother and sister-in-law basically redecorated my bedroom....new bedding, curtains, curtain rods.........WOW!
4. Wonderfully delicious meals have been provided by: The Camps, The Durons, Sandi N., Kindall D., The Jeffcoats, The Prados, I feel like I'm forgetting some....please forgive me.
5. My sister, Nancy, has provided me with a cleaning lady twice now............what a gift!
6. My children have proudly worn their breast cancer awareness lanyards and pins to school daily. (new school pics below)
7. I have had many, many thoughtful and encouraging emails and cards from friends, old and new.............
8. I've had prayers sent my way from many.........including many out of state..........What a prayer chain!
9. My mom has worked ceaselessly to help in more ways than I could possibly list. My Dad has agreed to go on a major trip to the eastern U.S. once I'm all well...........what a trip that will be.
10. My husband continues to amaze me with his love and support. There are no words.
So, as I approach tomorrow, I'll try and focus on the above blessings. And, I'll say a special prayer for those who are going through this business without the love and support that surrounds me. I can't imagine.
"This is the day the Lord hath made; Rejoice and be glad in it."
Friday, October 17, 2008
Watch for Falling Hair!
And, so it begins............though the hair loss is minimal so far, it IS slowly but surely making its way out of my head. I have a strange urge to get some clear packing tape and put it down the part on top of my head.............don't suppose that would work though!!
My wig is ready to wear after having been modeled by most of the female population in my family.
(including my very brunette sister-in-law, Lynda. I have numerous hats, etc.............BUT, I still can't fathom losing my hair. As vain as it sounds, this may be the toughest part of this ordeal since my initial diagnosis on Sept. 3rd.
I had my 3rd round of Herceptin yesterday and the treatment/side effects have been completely uneventful!!! Thank goodness! My next BIG treatment with all three drugs will be next Wednesday. Although I think we know how to combat much of the side effects from round one, I still dread it!
We continue to be blessed with wonderful meals, etc.........from friends and family. I can't imagine getting through this without all of you!
On a more serious note, I've been gleaning my medical records/reports since this ordeal began. I won't bore you all with details, but the bottom line is this: If YOU suspect something is wrong, DO NOT rely on simple mammograms or even simple sonograms.............INSIST on the latest technology and/or biopsies...........
It's Friday!
Photo below of my niece, Jill's sign during her recent participation in Little Rock's "Race for the Cure"............Thanks Jill...(and thanks Callie for the photo).......I've printed and copied and posted this in my classroom!!!
My wig is ready to wear after having been modeled by most of the female population in my family.
(including my very brunette sister-in-law, Lynda. I have numerous hats, etc.............BUT, I still can't fathom losing my hair. As vain as it sounds, this may be the toughest part of this ordeal since my initial diagnosis on Sept. 3rd.I had my 3rd round of Herceptin yesterday and the treatment/side effects have been completely uneventful!!! Thank goodness! My next BIG treatment with all three drugs will be next Wednesday. Although I think we know how to combat much of the side effects from round one, I still dread it!
We continue to be blessed with wonderful meals, etc.........from friends and family. I can't imagine getting through this without all of you!
On a more serious note, I've been gleaning my medical records/reports since this ordeal began. I won't bore you all with details, but the bottom line is this: If YOU suspect something is wrong, DO NOT rely on simple mammograms or even simple sonograms.............INSIST on the latest technology and/or biopsies...........
It's Friday!
Photo below of my niece, Jill's sign during her recent participation in Little Rock's "Race for the Cure"............Thanks Jill...(and thanks Callie for the photo).......I've printed and copied and posted this in my classroom!!!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Almost Normal
After starting the day doing labs at the doctor's, I went to work today and generally felt normal! What a change!!! That's three days in a row feeling pretty dang good! My white cells were way back up........I have herceptin treatment later this week and another big round next week..........hopefully the feeling good will last a while!
Tonight Evan and Polley made me a pink cake with the BC ribbon on it in coconut! It looked beautiful and tasted even better!
So, cross your fingers and say a prayer that this normalcy will last...many days!!!!!
Tonight Evan and Polley made me a pink cake with the BC ribbon on it in coconut! It looked beautiful and tasted even better!
So, cross your fingers and say a prayer that this normalcy will last...many days!!!!!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
It's a Real Saturday!!
FINALLY, after ten days of post-chemo feeling horrible, I woke up today and felt (almost) normal. I had to jump up and run to the doctor's for a quick white cell boosting shot, but I was thrilled that I felt like "jumping up" and running!!! I followed that by picking up a nutritious breakfast for my kids at McDonald's on my way home!! ha!!
Yesterday was a flurry of activity....for my own sanity, I'll try to dissect it:
more later.
Yesterday was a flurry of activity....for my own sanity, I'll try to dissect it:
- overslept due to being awake until 4am
- got to school late into my first period class (well covered by Tara..THANKS)
- Went from school to dr. at 11:30 to check white blood cells, etc....got another shot and more fluids....Nancy and Jill met me there ....
- Came home and enjoyed potato soup that Jill got for me at Baker Bros. Deli
- Took a bath
- Relaxed my aching low back with visits from Nancy, Jill, Mama, Dustin, and Adam...........
- Kids got home at 4
- My friend Kindall brought a beautiful meal and cake at 5
- Nancy brought Blue Bell to accompany cake...yum
- Mike and Lynda came later in the evening and hung beautiful curtain rods in my bedroom
- Daddy came through late evening with his never-ending perils of wisdom.....(he's now spending most of his time planning our trip to the EAST!! He promised that when I'm well, he'll go to NYC with me!!!!!)
- Evan got home from his game and we caught up on news while he enjoyed some King Ranch Chicken.
more later.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
FIVE Pounds of Fluid later....
Today is a much better day. I'm still moving slow, but much better after getting re-hydrated yesterday. Based on my bathroom scales, they put five pounds of fluid in me yesterday....guess I was pretty dehydrated.............I'm beginning to get the dry mouth thing that they talked about....don't think that's gonna be much fun! Ihave to go by the doctor's today so they can check my white cells to see if I need another shot.................
The good news: The doctor agreed that the tumor has definitely begun to decrease in size!!!!!
Now I'm awaiting the loss of my hair which should happen within the next five days...........
After waking up from my drug-enduced sleep yesterday, I felt much better and found some wonderful food had been delivered by our friends, The Durons...................lasagna never tasted so good to me!!!
And, I made my noon deadline of getting my first six weeks grades in...............major relief!!
The good news: The doctor agreed that the tumor has definitely begun to decrease in size!!!!!
Now I'm awaiting the loss of my hair which should happen within the next five days...........
After waking up from my drug-enduced sleep yesterday, I felt much better and found some wonderful food had been delivered by our friends, The Durons...................lasagna never tasted so good to me!!!
And, I made my noon deadline of getting my first six weeks grades in...............major relief!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Chemo Side Effects PART TWO...
Since 2 am last Friday morning, I have been dealing with the side effects of my first big treatment of chemo.........It is now late Tuesday evening and I feel like I MIGHT come out of this if I'm lucky! Among the frontrunners of symptoms:
I scored a big victory tonight when I forced myself to sit upright for at least 30 minutes without having to lie back down........this may have been the turning point............I certainly hope so. I've missed school that I didn't plan to miss and basically feel like I've got a handle on nothing!
But, this could all be worse, because I have the greatest support system in the world: my family, friends and co-workers!! I cannot imagine getting through this without each and every one of you!
One thing that I have learned though is that I do welcome visitors......even in the worst hours, listening to others talk is a nice diversion.......anything to take my mind off of how miserable I feel!!!
So, hopefully I've weathered the worst for treatment #1........I'm a 34 day survivor and I weigh 20lbs less than I did when this all began on Sept. 3rd.....BY FAR the toughest diet I've ever suffered through....I do not recommend it!!!
- massive headache
- massive stomach ache
- major aches/pains
- mega fatigue
I scored a big victory tonight when I forced myself to sit upright for at least 30 minutes without having to lie back down........this may have been the turning point............I certainly hope so. I've missed school that I didn't plan to miss and basically feel like I've got a handle on nothing!
But, this could all be worse, because I have the greatest support system in the world: my family, friends and co-workers!! I cannot imagine getting through this without each and every one of you!
One thing that I have learned though is that I do welcome visitors......even in the worst hours, listening to others talk is a nice diversion.......anything to take my mind off of how miserable I feel!!!
So, hopefully I've weathered the worst for treatment #1........I'm a 34 day survivor and I weigh 20lbs less than I did when this all began on Sept. 3rd.....BY FAR the toughest diet I've ever suffered through....I do not recommend it!!!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
The Chemo Side-Effects
My first big treatment was on Wednesday...I made it through most of Thursday pretty much okay......but, IN THE NIGHT the side effects hit........Friday and now continuing into Saturday morning....not so good. Flu-like symptoms......and basically the strangest feelings I've ever experienced! But, fortunately no stomach sickness so far and just a mild touch of nausea so it could be much worse.
We enjoyed another wonderful meal from my friend, Sandi yesterday....or as Sam now calls her meals: "the UPSIDE of having breast cancer"......it was delicious! Thanks again, Sandi!
I got a little bit of sleep last night...not as much as I'd liked, but better than nothing..............Polley made me a nice breakfast of toast this morning....These side effects are not fun, but I KNOW that they could be SO much worse.............more later
We enjoyed another wonderful meal from my friend, Sandi yesterday....or as Sam now calls her meals: "the UPSIDE of having breast cancer"......it was delicious! Thanks again, Sandi!
I got a little bit of sleep last night...not as much as I'd liked, but better than nothing..............Polley made me a nice breakfast of toast this morning....These side effects are not fun, but I KNOW that they could be SO much worse.............more later
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
A Four WEEK Survivor!
Exactly twenty eight days ago today, I heard the words that so many of us fear and dread: My doctor looked squarely at me following examination and said, "I feel certain that this is breast cancer."
As an English teacher I constantly try to impress upon my students the value of a word and the power behind each and every word that is chosen by an author in his/her work. But, there are ABSOLUTELY NO WORDS to describe how I felt at exactly the moment I learned I had breast cancer. I remember thinking that if I could shake real hard I could erase her words and I felt what seemed to be hot, melted candle wax running through my veins, but that's about all I recall...............what a blur that moment is now................My doctor was on my left side and my mom was on my right. I still ache for my mom that she had to be there with me. As a mom, I can only imagine how she must have felt.
NOW, for the positive news: I am a 28 day survivor and despite many, many difficult days.........I have begun treatment as of today finally feel like I'm moving forward FOR REAL!! My oncologist's office is a most pleasant place and all of the good things I had heard about it are absolutely true. I was blessed today to have a rotation of my mom, my husband, and my sister-in-law during my treatment....and of course a steady round of phone calls from my sister. Except for having to interrupt my medications to go to Baylor Hospital for a heart echo, the day wasn't bad.....that diversion just made it last longer.......8-3 was a long day!
After treatment, Evan and I picked up my wig. I really like it...as much as one can like a wig....wearing it all day will be a different thing I'm sure.....
My family was blessed with Babe's Chicken dinner brought to us from our neighbors, the Camps. We are so fortunate to have such a plethora of family and friends who offer constant support and help!!
I'm saying a special prayer that the following two days won't be too treacherous with chemo side effects so that I can work two full days....If I can make it until Friday, 3:30...I'll have time to crash then!!!
As an English teacher I constantly try to impress upon my students the value of a word and the power behind each and every word that is chosen by an author in his/her work. But, there are ABSOLUTELY NO WORDS to describe how I felt at exactly the moment I learned I had breast cancer. I remember thinking that if I could shake real hard I could erase her words and I felt what seemed to be hot, melted candle wax running through my veins, but that's about all I recall...............what a blur that moment is now................My doctor was on my left side and my mom was on my right. I still ache for my mom that she had to be there with me. As a mom, I can only imagine how she must have felt.
NOW, for the positive news: I am a 28 day survivor and despite many, many difficult days.........I have begun treatment as of today finally feel like I'm moving forward FOR REAL!! My oncologist's office is a most pleasant place and all of the good things I had heard about it are absolutely true. I was blessed today to have a rotation of my mom, my husband, and my sister-in-law during my treatment....and of course a steady round of phone calls from my sister. Except for having to interrupt my medications to go to Baylor Hospital for a heart echo, the day wasn't bad.....that diversion just made it last longer.......8-3 was a long day!
After treatment, Evan and I picked up my wig. I really like it...as much as one can like a wig....wearing it all day will be a different thing I'm sure.....
My family was blessed with Babe's Chicken dinner brought to us from our neighbors, the Camps. We are so fortunate to have such a plethora of family and friends who offer constant support and help!!
I'm saying a special prayer that the following two days won't be too treacherous with chemo side effects so that I can work two full days....If I can make it until Friday, 3:30...I'll have time to crash then!!!
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