I had my 3rd chemotherapy on Monday and also met with Dr. Voelzke for a check-up.
After having my chemo the past two times, the next day, they had been giving me a shot called "Neulesta" which was supposed to increase my white blood cell counts and keep me from getting such a weakened immune system. Dr. V said that some new research has shown that using this shot with one of the drugs in my chemo blend (Bleomycin) can cause lung tissue damage so he'd rather we chug on without me getting that shot each time from now on.
Chemo went as expected on Monday, and by that night I was exhausted of course. I think this one was the hardest yet. I didn't get too physically ill, I never got the "I'm going to throw up" feeling, but I did get lightheaded, dizzy, and generally just had very little energy this week. Today is Friday and I'm feeling pretty good again. It really stinks having no energy, especially when you used to be a spry 20-something year-old with lots of energy.
So now I have 3 chemos down and 1 to go (if all goes well.) After this next chemo which will be on February 9th, I'll go for a PET scan 2 weeks later. That will tell us a lot -- if the cancer is gone, if it's not, if it's almost gone, etc. Depending how that PET looks, that will determine if I go for a 3rd month of chemo or if I move onto the radiation. I'm hoping and praying that I won't need a 3rd round of chemo. It gets worse each time... mentally, too. I hate even thinking of going for it... it makes me feel gross and sick and ill just thinking about it.
That's the latest with me and where I stand. I appreciate the kind words, thoughts, and especially prayers from everyone. Thank you so much!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
What a great day! For many reasons!
Wow, what a day for America today has been! I watched the inauguration of our new president this morning. It was so touching and just so exciting!! I'm so glad for a new president and a fresh start for change. Just wanted to say that first!
The past couple of days have been okay for me, but not so great for little Logan. He came down with an awful case of the sickies that started Sunday morning. He slept kind of bad the night before and the night before that, and he usually sleeps without a peep all night long so that was my first clue that he was probably getting sick. He had a fever of about 101 Sunday morning and was very whiny off and on all day. I gave him Tylenol and that helped some, but not enough.
Sunday night was rough. He woke up what seemed like every 30 minutes or so just screaming in pain. He was refusing his Tylenol but we got SOME in him so that helped a little, but not much. Luckily we were able to get him in to see his pediatrician Monday. He had a fever of 102.5 when we got to the doctor's office and they got him to take some Tylenol finally. They performed the tests for strep and for the flu and both came back negative, thank goodness. The doctor looked him over and he just has a really bad sounding cough with congestion that has caused an ear infection. Dr. prescribed him some antibiotics and something for his cough.
Logan slept really well last night because that prescription cough syrup knocks him out. Thank goodness he was able to sleep well... he sure needed it. Today he is feeling a lot better, but still somewhat whiny... but nonetheless, doing a LOT better than yesterday.
Ok, so now you know the scoop on the sick, little guy... reasons why today has rocked are...
I got TWO, not one, but two, awesome surprises in the mail today!!
One was a beautifully knitted hat from my online friend, Jaime. I "met" her online on my birth message board when I was pregnant with Logan. A bunch of us have remained friends even 2 years now after having our babies. She learned to knit recently and knit me a hat to cover my bald head. She made it with baby alpaca yarn and it is sooooooo soft. The colors are beautiful pinks, tans, brown... just a beautiful hat accompanied by such a sweet card. It was such a treat to get something so nice and so very unexpected! Thank you so much, Jaime!!!!
The beautiful knitted hat from Jaime
The other package was a big box from my mom's cousin, Diane, in Wisconsin. Again, a totally sweet and totally unexpected surprise! Diane sent me a goody box filled with TONS and TONS of awesome stuff for me while I'm going through cancer. There is so much stuff in there it's hard to name it all off, but I'll try... it was all sent inside a cute handbag and there was a beautiful and really "far out" green fuzzy scarf and hat which I just love... a neck warmer that you can put in the microwave... a makeup bag with tons of little eyeshadows and lip glosses and makeup brushes... a pack of stationary cards and journals... a John 3:16 book with bookmark... oh yeah, my FAVORITE thing, some candy (jelly beans from Jelly Belly... YUM... yeah, Diane, those are already half gone and I just got your package a little while ago!!)... footie slippers... I think I've named most of it!
Too cool not to share -- the green fuzzy hat & scarf from Diane!
Oh yeah, Diane also sent Logan a book and a little stuffed animal puppy. He LOVES the book... it's all about TRUCKS which are seriously one of his favorite things ever! I snapped a photo of Logan with his new book and puppy... He loves them. Thank you so much for everything, Diane!!!!
Logan just loves his new book about trucks!!
So as you can see, a totally wonderful day. It's always nice to be thought of and know people are praying for you. And getting such nice things sent to me sure isn't bad either!! :)
Oh! Yesterday was really gloomy and SO COLD out... something happened here that doesn't happen very often for us here in Northwest Georgia... We got snow! It wasn't a ton of snow of course, but enough to stick all night and it was pretty. I took some pictures of it to share, too!
My friend, Mike -- & the snow really coming down fast!
My front yard
Mike loves snow!
Lee videotaping the snow falling (in his robe like Hugh Hefner!)
Me with my wig & hat on in the snow! You'd never guess I'm bald!
One other thing before I end this post... I went yesterday for a quick lab at my doctor's office. It's a weekly check of my blood cell counts. All looks to be within the normal range so that's really good. I have to be careful about getting sick since I have more of a suppressed immune system than people not going through chemo. Please pray that Logan gets better and that I don't catch what he's got!!!
The past couple of days have been okay for me, but not so great for little Logan. He came down with an awful case of the sickies that started Sunday morning. He slept kind of bad the night before and the night before that, and he usually sleeps without a peep all night long so that was my first clue that he was probably getting sick. He had a fever of about 101 Sunday morning and was very whiny off and on all day. I gave him Tylenol and that helped some, but not enough.
Sunday night was rough. He woke up what seemed like every 30 minutes or so just screaming in pain. He was refusing his Tylenol but we got SOME in him so that helped a little, but not much. Luckily we were able to get him in to see his pediatrician Monday. He had a fever of 102.5 when we got to the doctor's office and they got him to take some Tylenol finally. They performed the tests for strep and for the flu and both came back negative, thank goodness. The doctor looked him over and he just has a really bad sounding cough with congestion that has caused an ear infection. Dr. prescribed him some antibiotics and something for his cough.
Logan slept really well last night because that prescription cough syrup knocks him out. Thank goodness he was able to sleep well... he sure needed it. Today he is feeling a lot better, but still somewhat whiny... but nonetheless, doing a LOT better than yesterday.
Ok, so now you know the scoop on the sick, little guy... reasons why today has rocked are...
I got TWO, not one, but two, awesome surprises in the mail today!!
One was a beautifully knitted hat from my online friend, Jaime. I "met" her online on my birth message board when I was pregnant with Logan. A bunch of us have remained friends even 2 years now after having our babies. She learned to knit recently and knit me a hat to cover my bald head. She made it with baby alpaca yarn and it is sooooooo soft. The colors are beautiful pinks, tans, brown... just a beautiful hat accompanied by such a sweet card. It was such a treat to get something so nice and so very unexpected! Thank you so much, Jaime!!!!
The beautiful knitted hat from Jaime
The other package was a big box from my mom's cousin, Diane, in Wisconsin. Again, a totally sweet and totally unexpected surprise! Diane sent me a goody box filled with TONS and TONS of awesome stuff for me while I'm going through cancer. There is so much stuff in there it's hard to name it all off, but I'll try... it was all sent inside a cute handbag and there was a beautiful and really "far out" green fuzzy scarf and hat which I just love... a neck warmer that you can put in the microwave... a makeup bag with tons of little eyeshadows and lip glosses and makeup brushes... a pack of stationary cards and journals... a John 3:16 book with bookmark... oh yeah, my FAVORITE thing, some candy (jelly beans from Jelly Belly... YUM... yeah, Diane, those are already half gone and I just got your package a little while ago!!)... footie slippers... I think I've named most of it!
Too cool not to share -- the green fuzzy hat & scarf from Diane!
Oh yeah, Diane also sent Logan a book and a little stuffed animal puppy. He LOVES the book... it's all about TRUCKS which are seriously one of his favorite things ever! I snapped a photo of Logan with his new book and puppy... He loves them. Thank you so much for everything, Diane!!!!
Logan just loves his new book about trucks!!
So as you can see, a totally wonderful day. It's always nice to be thought of and know people are praying for you. And getting such nice things sent to me sure isn't bad either!! :)
Oh! Yesterday was really gloomy and SO COLD out... something happened here that doesn't happen very often for us here in Northwest Georgia... We got snow! It wasn't a ton of snow of course, but enough to stick all night and it was pretty. I took some pictures of it to share, too!
My friend, Mike -- & the snow really coming down fast!
My front yard
Mike loves snow!
Lee videotaping the snow falling (in his robe like Hugh Hefner!)
Me with my wig & hat on in the snow! You'd never guess I'm bald!
One other thing before I end this post... I went yesterday for a quick lab at my doctor's office. It's a weekly check of my blood cell counts. All looks to be within the normal range so that's really good. I have to be careful about getting sick since I have more of a suppressed immune system than people not going through chemo. Please pray that Logan gets better and that I don't catch what he's got!!!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Logan's 1st Real Haircut!
Yesterday, Lee and I took Logan to Great Clips to get his very first, real, big-boy haircut. I've trimmed his hair here and there as its grown to keep it manageable, but nothing like this. This haircut was his first BIG haircut... It's a little bittersweet... he's lost that "baby" look now since his curls are gone... he looks like such a big boy now!
He did sooo well, too! Logan sat very still and didn't fuss or fight. It was a great first haircut experience. His stylist, Diane, was very sweet, too. I hope you enjoy the many photos I snapped of his first haircut!!
He did sooo well, too! Logan sat very still and didn't fuss or fight. It was a great first haircut experience. His stylist, Diane, was very sweet, too. I hope you enjoy the many photos I snapped of his first haircut!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
After the 2nd Chemo & My New Bald Debut
On Monday, before going for chemo, I had blood work done and met with Dr. Voelzke. My blood work came back fantastic. Surely that's in part to the "growth shot" as they call it (Neulesta) to make my body's bone marrow produce more blood cells. With my blood cell counts (CBC) being in the range they want, that's always good because it means no delays for me on my scheduled chemo. The doctor also did a physical exam of my lymph nodes, and already after only 1 chemo treatment he said he only felt what seemed like muscle fullness in my neck, but could not feel the enlarged nodes, whereas before he could easily feel them through my skin. So this is good news also... it means the nodes are shrinking in size. And that was after only ONE chemo!!!
I had my 2nd chemo treatment after meeting with the doctor. It seems to have gone more smoothly this time for me. I had already gone through it all once so I knew exactly what to expect, and since I'd gone through with flying colors (no drug reactions) the first time, they could speed the drip a little bit so it didn't take as long as it did the first time. They started me on my IV around 12:45 or 1:00 and we were done at exactly 3:30. I didn't feel quite as tired this time around, but definitely felt more light-headed which worried me as I thought I might get really bad nausea once I got home, but nope... I had none. After getting home, I went down for a nap at 5:30 and didn't get up until 9:30. Then I watched t.v. for a while and fell asleep around 1:30 and woke up at 11:30 the next morning. So I got a great night's sleep plus that nap.
Tuesday my friend Mike drove me to get the Neulesta shot. That went easy as pie again and we were in and out of the office in about 10 minutes. Afterward, we took Logan and had dinner out and then came home. I was feeling brave and definitely felt ready to take the next step... my hair was getting messy and falling out in larger pieces and clumps each day. It was becoming depressing combing so much of it out each time I'd shower or even feeling it all coming out while I was washing my hair in the shower. I was ready. So with the moral support of my best friend, Mike, and my grandma Hilda and, of course, my little cheerleader, Logan, we cut and shaved my hair.
I have to admit, I'm really, really proud of myself. I thought I'd cry or bawl my eyes out. I didn't. I was so strong. I believe I was truly ready to do it. I'd mentally prepared myself for a couple of weeks now as to how it was going to be without hair. All the praying I've done and others has done has truly been working in my life. I might have cancer, but I'm at the strongest I've ever been in my life. I owe that all to God and the support of my many friends and family praying for me and just sending so much love my way. And before you go thinking I'm all heroic and super-woman-like, I'm not. I'm just like you, or anyone else you know. When faced with something like this, a person's natural instincts are going to tell them to fight it. Hard core. And that's what I'm doing. There is no losing here for me. That's just not an option. My only viewpoint can ever possibly be optimism and positive vibes!
So before I say goodbye for this post, I will leave you with a few fun pictures of my hair-cutting experience! Enjoy!
Some "Before" Shots
Mike, the scary hair stylist:
Cutting of the ponytail:
Me holding the cut-off ponytail:
My hacked-up haircut, more hacking needed, almost ready for the clippers:
My little cheerleader, Logan, even let us give him a ponytail:
Bald is beautiful! Here I am now!
I had my 2nd chemo treatment after meeting with the doctor. It seems to have gone more smoothly this time for me. I had already gone through it all once so I knew exactly what to expect, and since I'd gone through with flying colors (no drug reactions) the first time, they could speed the drip a little bit so it didn't take as long as it did the first time. They started me on my IV around 12:45 or 1:00 and we were done at exactly 3:30. I didn't feel quite as tired this time around, but definitely felt more light-headed which worried me as I thought I might get really bad nausea once I got home, but nope... I had none. After getting home, I went down for a nap at 5:30 and didn't get up until 9:30. Then I watched t.v. for a while and fell asleep around 1:30 and woke up at 11:30 the next morning. So I got a great night's sleep plus that nap.
Tuesday my friend Mike drove me to get the Neulesta shot. That went easy as pie again and we were in and out of the office in about 10 minutes. Afterward, we took Logan and had dinner out and then came home. I was feeling brave and definitely felt ready to take the next step... my hair was getting messy and falling out in larger pieces and clumps each day. It was becoming depressing combing so much of it out each time I'd shower or even feeling it all coming out while I was washing my hair in the shower. I was ready. So with the moral support of my best friend, Mike, and my grandma Hilda and, of course, my little cheerleader, Logan, we cut and shaved my hair.
I have to admit, I'm really, really proud of myself. I thought I'd cry or bawl my eyes out. I didn't. I was so strong. I believe I was truly ready to do it. I'd mentally prepared myself for a couple of weeks now as to how it was going to be without hair. All the praying I've done and others has done has truly been working in my life. I might have cancer, but I'm at the strongest I've ever been in my life. I owe that all to God and the support of my many friends and family praying for me and just sending so much love my way. And before you go thinking I'm all heroic and super-woman-like, I'm not. I'm just like you, or anyone else you know. When faced with something like this, a person's natural instincts are going to tell them to fight it. Hard core. And that's what I'm doing. There is no losing here for me. That's just not an option. My only viewpoint can ever possibly be optimism and positive vibes!
So before I say goodbye for this post, I will leave you with a few fun pictures of my hair-cutting experience! Enjoy!
Some "Before" Shots
Mike, the scary hair stylist:
Cutting of the ponytail:
Me holding the cut-off ponytail:
My hacked-up haircut, more hacking needed, almost ready for the clippers:
My little cheerleader, Logan, even let us give him a ponytail:
Bald is beautiful! Here I am now!
Monday, January 12, 2009
2nd Chemo Today
I have my 2nd chemotherapy treatment today. I'm just about ready to leave the house. I have lab work at 11, a doctor's appointment with Dr. Voelzke at 11:30 and then my chemo should start around 12 or 12:30 and lasts about 4 hours. I won't be home until about 5:30ish tonight. I'll probably be really, really tired tonight like I was after the last chemo, so don't look for any more updates to the blog this evening. I'll try to update as soon as I can though!
And on the hair front... I've probably lost about 50% or more of my hair in the last two weeks. It's been a gradual, thinning process. It's to the point now, though, that so many strands are coming out each time I shower and comb my hair that I will probably cut and buzz the rest off very, very soon. I'm thinking tonight or tomorrow. It's just getting so annoying being so thin... and really, what's the point in keeping it now and just watching it fall out more and more each day, making a mess?
I appreciate the thoughts, prayers, and cards I've received from so many. It feels so good to know I'm on so many prayer lists and so many friends are thinking of me. Thank you all for that soooo much!
And on the hair front... I've probably lost about 50% or more of my hair in the last two weeks. It's been a gradual, thinning process. It's to the point now, though, that so many strands are coming out each time I shower and comb my hair that I will probably cut and buzz the rest off very, very soon. I'm thinking tonight or tomorrow. It's just getting so annoying being so thin... and really, what's the point in keeping it now and just watching it fall out more and more each day, making a mess?
I appreciate the thoughts, prayers, and cards I've received from so many. It feels so good to know I'm on so many prayer lists and so many friends are thinking of me. Thank you all for that soooo much!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A little update on me!
On Monday I had a consult appointment with the radiation oncologist. It was just a meeting so we could discuss what I can expect as far as radiation and when and how much, etc. Basically, my radiation will begin about 3 weeks after my last chemotherapy treatment. I'll go 2 weeks after my last chemo to meet with the radiation doctor to do the planning and set up of all my appointments with them, then a week later I'll begin the radiation.
So if the 2 rounds of chemotherapy go as planned and I don't need a third round, then it looks like I'll probably begin radiation around the first week of March. In total, I'll have 18 radiation treatments. I'll go every day (Monday through Friday, so excluding weekends) for 18 days in a row. After that point, then I'm done with all cancer treatments.
I still need your thoughts and prayers to get through the rest of these treatments. And please pray that my body responds well to the anti-cancer drugs and that this cancer gets completely wiped out! I'm hoping for remission by April so I can begin my Spring and Summer cancer-free and get on with life! It sounds weird to type that out, but in reality, April will be here before I know it!
So if the 2 rounds of chemotherapy go as planned and I don't need a third round, then it looks like I'll probably begin radiation around the first week of March. In total, I'll have 18 radiation treatments. I'll go every day (Monday through Friday, so excluding weekends) for 18 days in a row. After that point, then I'm done with all cancer treatments.
I still need your thoughts and prayers to get through the rest of these treatments. And please pray that my body responds well to the anti-cancer drugs and that this cancer gets completely wiped out! I'm hoping for remission by April so I can begin my Spring and Summer cancer-free and get on with life! It sounds weird to type that out, but in reality, April will be here before I know it!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
A Happy, Picture-Filled Post
All this talk of cancer is really not the most fun thing to talk about... so, for a change of pace, I thought it would be nice to share some pictures of my most favorite thing on Earth: my son, Logan.
In all the craziness that's been happening lately, I completely forgot to share Logan's Santa picture. We had a heck of a time getting him to cooperate this year. Finally, we had to bribe him with a candy cane and he had to not know that Santa was there... so Santa crept up behind him for us to get this shot. And yes, this is as good as it gets for our "Santa Picture" of 2008... by the way, this photo was taken on December 20th, Logan's 2nd birthday. Ironically, his Santa picture from last year was also taken on his birthday... how's that for doubling as a birthday pic AND a Santa pic?!
These next shots are just a couple that Lee snapped of Logan and me cuddling while watching t.v. last night. I'm not wearing make-up so be warned, these are scary. But hey, it's me and my boy... It doesn't get any better than that!
Now, for something "crunchy", since, after all, I am the "crunchy mama"...
I had a sweet mama in Canada from my cloth diapering board knit these pants and hat up for Logan with yarn that I sent to her. They are 100% wool so they not only work as pants, but they are also a waterproof diaper cover for over Logan's diapers. They're called "scrappy pants" or "potluck pants" because they're made from lots of left-over yarn scraps all worked up together. It's a great way to recycle yarn that otherwise wasn't going to be used, AND the pants end up matching literally every shirt Logan owns! Kind of reminds me of a "coat of many colors" type of thing! Here's the little model showing off:
That's all folks!!
In all the craziness that's been happening lately, I completely forgot to share Logan's Santa picture. We had a heck of a time getting him to cooperate this year. Finally, we had to bribe him with a candy cane and he had to not know that Santa was there... so Santa crept up behind him for us to get this shot. And yes, this is as good as it gets for our "Santa Picture" of 2008... by the way, this photo was taken on December 20th, Logan's 2nd birthday. Ironically, his Santa picture from last year was also taken on his birthday... how's that for doubling as a birthday pic AND a Santa pic?!
These next shots are just a couple that Lee snapped of Logan and me cuddling while watching t.v. last night. I'm not wearing make-up so be warned, these are scary. But hey, it's me and my boy... It doesn't get any better than that!
Now, for something "crunchy", since, after all, I am the "crunchy mama"...
I had a sweet mama in Canada from my cloth diapering board knit these pants and hat up for Logan with yarn that I sent to her. They are 100% wool so they not only work as pants, but they are also a waterproof diaper cover for over Logan's diapers. They're called "scrappy pants" or "potluck pants" because they're made from lots of left-over yarn scraps all worked up together. It's a great way to recycle yarn that otherwise wasn't going to be used, AND the pants end up matching literally every shirt Logan owns! Kind of reminds me of a "coat of many colors" type of thing! Here's the little model showing off:
That's all folks!!
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