Showing posts with label A Brand New Game. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A Brand New Game. Show all posts

Friday, May 22, 2009

Update

Today I finished my 4th week of radiation. My last day of radiation will be June 11th.....turns out that "six weeks of radiation" is a general term..........they go by "treatments" to specific areas....any way....a few more days than I originally thought, but not too bad. The skin is beginning to be irritated....itchy, etc....pretty tired in the evenings but not drastically worse than normal this time of year.

My MUGA scan (heart) results were fine so I continue to take treatments of Herceptin once a week. Additionally, my doctor informed me that I am B12 deficient so I'm taking weekly shots of that and taking daily doses.

I also met with my gynecologist this week and scheduled my hysterectomy for Tuesday, June 23rd.

And, as of late last week, I've discontinued the wig............my very short, drastic hair shocks a few people at first, but it feels so much better than wearing the wig!!

For now, a three day weekend and only two more weeks of school left!!!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Radiation..........

Today I finished my second week of radiation! So far I have no major skin irratations, etc....BUT, they tell me weeks four and following will change that......we'll see.............

I also had a MUGA scan on my heart this morning.........checking to see that the heart is functioning properly given the radiation and the Herceptin that I've been back on the last several weeks...............

I meet with my oncologist next Wednesday and I'm sure we'll discuss the scan results and hopefully discuss the probability of a hysterectomy this summer............

In the meantime, I feel pretty good. My hair is coming in....nice salt and pepper color and a bit of a mohawk look.............anxious for that to go away, but it's HAIR, so I'll take it!!

I have four more weeks of radiation and four more weeks of school so I'm countin' em both down.........radiation really not so bad....I go either on my way to work or I run over there during my long lunch/conference period............can't complain.............

Sam turns 14 this Sunday. I let him drive me to Walgreens yesterday.....this time next year we'll be getting his permit and driving everywhere..........oh my!! Time is flying!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Radiation

I went yesterday for radiation simulation. Then, I went to see my surgeon, Dr. Chow who said I was doing great and she'd see me in 3 months....that felt pretty good.

I begin my six weeks of radiation this coming Monday, April 27th..........just like previous portions of this journey, I can't say I'm looking forward to it, but sure ready to get on with it!!

I have a MUGA (heart) scan on May 4th to monitor my heart relative to radiation and herceptin.

Meanwhile, I have six more weeks till summer!!!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Polley and Friends

Click on the title above to see the feature story on Polley and friends that was done by Channel Five. Even better, it actually aired on her birthday!! We're looking forward to a great time at the race on Saturday!!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Back at it..........

Well, I'm back at work today, six weeks since my surgery. Heart and PET scans were good. I'll start radiation as soon as I'm cleared by my surgeon to do so. And, as mentioned earlier, I'm back on Herceptin once a week.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Post Surgery: An Update

Well, it's been almost four weeks since my surgery. What a learning experience this has been...and what an emotional roller coaster.

The surgery went good, there were no surprises except for more lingering activity in the lymph nodes than expected. The doctor removed 23 and there was disease in 15. My oncologist said looking at the report that the activity was reduced from my original pathology report, so that was good although we'd hoped it would all be gone. (The original tumor had shrunk from very large to less than pea sized!!) Consequently, I'll start back on Herceptin this week rather than waiting until finished with radiation which I don't start for a few more weeks (I have to be completely healed from surgery)

In the process, this is my week of scans: one on my heart and a PET scan which of course covers the entire body looking for signs of disease. This scan is the best when you get good news, but makes me a nervous wreck until then. My doctor said she would be shocked if it showed anything at all........let's hope and pray that she's correct!

Post surgery I had to deal with drainage tubes longer than anyone on record, I think.....YUCK....now she just pokes me with a needle and drains if necessary....more yuck!

Emotionally this phase is very hard. I've been fortunate to reconnect via Facebook with a high school friend who has been through this and fully understands my fears, worries, etc....her empathy is sooooo helpful!

And, my mom and I enjoyed a few days of shopping for prosthesis(sp?).....Quite a learning experience! But we found them so I'm good to go on that count. And, my hair is slowly growing back............I have two more weeks of leave from work.

As always I am eternally thankful for well wishes from friends and family. And I pray for those people who have to go through this without them..........I can't imagine!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

They've really "smooved" 'em now!

When my adorable nephew, Adam (who is now 28) was approximately three years old, he climbed into my lap and when he realized where his head had gone during the climbing process he said, "oops, sorry NaNa, I smooved your boob"!

Adam's phrase has been a family joke for 25 years now but early yesterday morning it certainly took on new meaning as I underwent a double mastectomy. I'm sitting in my hospital bed with my dad's laptop typing this post and feel pretty okay. I'm not sure what I expected, but I have considerably more mobiity with my arms than I expected to have at this point.

I went through the unveiling about an hour ago....not the most fun I've ever had but you do what you have to do and you learn that you can get used to anything.....especially when you have no choice. There are many more details, but I'll spare those for now............

As I have been since I was diagnosed with breast cancer last September, I continue to be astounded by the outpouring of love, concern, food, well wishes that have truly gone from coast to coast! Evan and I will never be able to put into words our immense gratitude.

I'll post more later......I'm feeling a little nap coming on.....

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

A Little Lost...

I went in today for my weekly Herceptin treatment and met with my oncologist, Dr. Jordan. She concluded with my other doctors that the treatments have done amazingly well! She suspended my Herceptin treatment until after I finish surgery and radiation. Both herceptin and radiation have the potential to cause some heart damage, so she said that typically you don't do both things at the same time. My surgery is three weeks from today and she said I could start radiation about four weeks after surgery. I'll be able to do the radiation here in T. Club so that's GREAT!!

I have to admit that leaving her office which has been my home away from home for these past four months felt pretty strange, but I'll be back in April to continue Herceptin until October. I am thrilled to be done with chemo and have no treatment for a while but it sure feels strange!!

She also said "you can be assured that any microscopic cancer cells were eradicated by this treatment.??!"

Anyone know when I can expect some hair to grow back on my head??!!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Life LONG Before Breast Cancer







It dawned on me today that I have about three weeks before surgery with no chemo to dread, etc....not sure how to approach this, so I've been doing my favorite thing in the world: looking at and editing photos on the computer. I came across a few that reminded me just how old my babies have gotten. These three pics are among my absolute all time favorites of my kids. The one of Polley should be an ad for GAP. The one at the beach was when we went to Disney in 01. And, the one of Sam's first day of school absolutely makes me cry just thinking about it.



Friday, January 30, 2009

SURGERY...

...is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th at Baylor All Saints in Fort Worth. After recovery of 5-6 weeks, there'll be six weeks of radiation followed by a hysterectomy early summer and reconstruction surgery late summer...............I'm thinking I should throw in some dental surgery just for fun!! ha!

Chemo is over.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

What A Week!!

Well, it's been a week today since my last big blast of chemo. I'm feeling mostly okay....food still tastes strange, but that'll pass soon I hope. I managed to sleep through most of these side effects so round 6 was definitely the easiest on me. (NOT FUN, but nowhere near as bad as some of the others!)

Round 6 was made considerably easier by the generosity of so many friends who supplied WONDERFUL meals for our family. Among the things we enjoyed this week were:

Teriyaki chicken
Frito Pie Bake
Cococonut cake
Chocolate cake
Cheesecake
Cookies
Shepherds Pie
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Chicken Enchiladas
Central Market Pork
Beautiful salads

I know I'm forgetting some marvelous dishes, but THANKS to all who helped this week:
Kathy C, Sandi N, Libby D, Kindall D, Elaine V, Toni N, Linda G.

You all have made the chemo experience so much more bearable!

A Million Thanks.
Karen

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

One of my Favorite Days

Today is January 20, 2009, a date that will forever be a part of our history in this nation. As a follower of politics and one interested to a degree in all things historical, I am certainly enjoying following the events of this great day.

AND, today I am taking my 6th and final BIG round of chemo. Feels pretty good! Although realistically I may need chemo again someday, at least this is it FOR NOW!! Thanks so much to everybody for everything...especially the thoughts and prayers! I have no doubt at all of their significance in this journey.

FINALLY, January 20th has long been a great day for me. It started on what was a cold Saturday in January during my senior year in high school. Late in the day on this dreary weathered day, my life was forever changed: I became an AUNT! I had no way of knowing how altered my life would be. I consider myself so very fortunate and blessed to have seven wonderful nieces and nephews (four more counting those acquired when I married).
One of the coolest parts about these awesome young individuals is that they all possess their own uniqueness! Our family is never boring! And, my children are so fortunate to be the youngest of their cousins – on both sides!

















Back to today-- Happy 30th Birthday Cabo, Sabo, Rabo!!!!!!!!!!

You changed our lives forever!

Love,
NaNa, WahNa, Pahna…………………

An EARLY Morning Sonogram.........

tells us that there is "nothing there to measure." Those were the words of the doctor doing the ultrasound. (The same doctor who did my biopsy in September.) WOW. I knew that Dr. Jordan and Dr. Chow couldn't feel anything, but feared that there was still something pretty prevelant in there. Well, there may be something, but I guess it isn't too much since she couldn't see anything. After much searching, she said thanks to the marker that they'd put in during the biopsy, she could "kinda" see where it had been, but otherwise she'd not be able to see a thing.

Here's a plug for Dr. Schmidt, Soleis Women's Health at Baylor All Saints in Fort Worth. Both times I've seen this lady I have been soooo impressed and always feel much better when I leave. (even when she confirmed that it was cancer back in September)

Papers to grade..............

Thanks for all the prayers and concern!!
k

Sunday, January 11, 2009

An Update

Well, I'm in the feeling good phase right now. I saw Dr. Chow this week. I'll see her again Jan. 27 for pre-op appointment. Surgery is tentatively set for around Feb. 24th. I have a bi-lateral mammogram set for this week. I have an appointment with my ob/gyn on Friday to discuss removal of ovaries, etc..... In the meantime, I continue with my herceptin treatments once a week and I have my last big round of chemo on January 20th. (planning to watch inauguration festivities during treatment!).

Fortunately I feel good right now because it's semester exam time and I have a busy week of grading ahead of me. I don't have a lot else to share, so I'll just add some photos........



Tuesday, January 6, 2009

SLOWLY Emerging.....

back into daily life. My fifth round of chemo on Dec. 29th was a full eight days getting through.....In many ways, this round wasn't as bad as others, but there's really no way to assess a round of chemo as "easy"..................I did sleep more through this one and took more medicine to ward off headaches, nausea, etc...........BUT, no matter how you slice it, chemo is chemo............and it's all CRAPPY!!!

I am finally back at work today. My white cells are low. I can tell because of mouth sores, wierder than normal taste buds, etc....

GROSS ALERT: no, I don't think I'll share those things, but suffice it to say there were many, many incidental ailments that accompanied this round...........YUCKO!

I have another round of Herceptin tomorrow followed by a 2:30 appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Chow. I'm eager and anxious to get this meeting over with. My assumption is that we will set a date for surgery. We'll see............


The first 10 days of my holiday break were awesome. I actually did holiday baking...I made the bon-bons.........then I forgot to take them on Christmas Eve to my mom's, so they stayed in my freezer until several of us came very near O-Ding on them! It was a close, close call.

Evan and the kids and I braved a cold, cold wind to shop on Monday, Dec. 22nd....we had a nice lunch out and then shopped in the COLD!!!!

Sam and Polley spent their annual Christmas Eve EVE at Ma T's again this year. They had so much fun.

We had our annual Country Fat Breakfast on Christmas day and then welcomed several family members casually as the day progressed. (I say CASUAL, because I do not get out of my pajamas all day....it's a rule!)(I really enjoyed my new vintage ski scene pajamas from Eddie Bauer.......Sam made a great shopping choice)

We had a rousing game of USA trivia later that night...........we played in teams of two and Nancy and Dustin surprised us all with a classic "come from behind" win.

Well, unfortunately, thanks to chemo brain, my memory "ain't what it used to be"...............but I had a great holiday until the 29th................pretty sketchy after that!

One more big round of chemo on January19, 20, or 21st....still solidifying the date.............WOW! one more round. I can't believe it.

Happy New Year to all!

Friday, December 26, 2008

Happy Holidays!



Well, it's December 26th and Christmas has come and gone; but, we're enjoying all the aftermath:




  • guitar hero


  • XBox 360


  • new computer


  • karoke machine


  • much much more...




More Christmas fun later..............only a few more days until round FIVE of chemo......

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Normal for Now

After a hellacious round 4 of chemo, I'm enjoying my two weeks of feeling good right now. My next treatment is Monday, Dec. 29th and then my FINAL round will be January 21st. I meet with my surgeon, Dr. Chow on January 7th to plan surgery, etc..........I know that I will continue with Herceptin treatments every three weeks for at least a year; but, THAT is the drug with no side effects, etc....so I can easily endure this regimen of treatment!!!

I am so glad to I got all of my shopping done and wrapped during my Thanksgiving break! When school is out on Friday, I don't have to worry about last minute shopping. It is all done!!!

I'm looking forward to a great holiday........especially seeing all the family............Christmas Eve should be a blast..........I think we're gonna play Bingo............and we're having soups!!!

At our house we'll have our traditional "country fat" breakfast (as Evan calls it) on Christmas morning after we've opened all that Santa has dropped off for us! Ma T, Papa, Nancy, and Jill usually join us for this..........

Speaking of Jill, photo below of her recent meeting/visit with President Clinton after being introduced to him by her boss, Governor Beebe of Arkansas................
















And, below is a photo of Dustin with Grand Ole Opry regular, Jack Greene. Photo taken in the alley behind the Ryman auditorium (Dut's favorite hangout!!)















And, below, a photo of my niece, Kristin, who was having a fun day at work while sporting her Halloween costume back in October. Great Getup Sis!!





















One last photo: click link to see Sam in action during last weekend's basketball tourney


That's all the photos for now.........there'll be more later!!!


Happy Holidays!!!!!!









Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The Family Business

I guess it's appropriate that my daddy has worked in the freight industry for so many years because my mother is quite the DISPATCHER! While helping me deal with the past week of side effects, I have never seen anyone take so many phone calls; and, many of them involve moving people from one place to another or picking someone up, etc............

Over the course of one day Judy might be seen doing any of the following things:
  • changing bed sheets
  • taking kids to school/picking them up (at numerous campuses)
  • taking items to school that were forgotten at home
  • running to Walmart for just about EVERYTHING
  • running someone to the doctor (lately, it's always me)
  • running the vacuum just before the cleaning ladies arrive
  • mixing up a quick batch of mac and cheese for the kids
  • waiting patiently beside me at the oncologist for yet another treatment
  • answering all the concerned phone calls from family and friends as to my health status
  • worrying without ceasing about everything and everybody that make up her family.
  • and primarily, you can see Judy EVERYDAY standing by in case one of the family needs her for some reason..............and, we always do.

Round four of chemo has been awful. Today is Wednesday and I feel better but not 100%. This chemo is not fun stuff. Two more rounds to go. Thanks for all the care and concern.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

2/3 DONE!!

Round four is over.......and fluids have begun to ward off impending side effects. The best news though is that after examination, Dr. Jordan declared the tumor essentially non-existent! Amazing news! I meet with Dr. Chow January 7th to discuss surgery which will probably be the end of February. I will also stay on Herceptin once every three weeks for at least a year.......that's sounds so simple....the drug is quickly administered and has no side effects.

There is a possibility that I'll need a blood transfusion next week, but hopefully not. They'll check my blood on Monday to make this determination.

I arrived at school this morning after getting fluids to find a huge diet cherry sonic drink on my desk and some beautiful James Avery earrings............my friends on my hallway continue to amaze me with their support!!! There is no way I could've gotten through this without all of them..........Thank you is much too much an understatement!!!!

My kids are busy......Sam started school basketball this past Tuesday and has rec league practice and game Friday and Saturday. Polley has back to back parties on Sunday!

I'm crossing my fingers that the upcoming side effects will be minimal.................

Thanks to all for continued prayers and support!!!

As of today I am a survivor of 13 weeks and a day!!!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Time for Round FOUR!

Well, the Thanksgiving holidays have come and gone and it's about time for round four of chemo (coming up on Wednesday). I have to go in today at noon for some bloodwork.

The Thanksgiving week off was wonderful. As always, the meal on Thursday was delicious and all family members were present for at least part of the day! And, Dustin and I actually came close to winning a game of trivial pursuit........hats off to Adam and Tye for their remarkable come from behind victory!!

Shopping on Friday was quite an adventure. Jill and I walked into Walmart at precisely
3:42 AM!! Jill wasn't terribly happy to be there but was a great sport helping me secure my items in the midst of the mayhem. After stopping at a second Walmart, I was back home well before 8am. I took a brief nap, saw Evan and the kids off on their trip to Midland and I headed back out by myself to continue on my quest to get all the shopping done. I made several stops finishing at Target (where I came close to passing out due to fatigue)........I came home and wrapped all gifts. I AM DONE WITH ALL SHOPPING AND WRAPPING for my immediate household!!!! And, we all pitched in last night with Christmas decor....we're about 2/3 done with that!

On Saturday, I joined my mom and dad, Nancy, Jill, Missy, and Dustin in the motorhome for a jaunt to watch Dustin perform at the Cross Timbers Opry in Stephenville. This performance might have been his best (in my opinion)....click on the link below to see/hear him perform one of my all-time favorite country songs......he brought the house down!!!
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=47490063

And, now I'm back at work................more later