Treatment 5 is down and I'm on the upswing to feeling better already. Mom has been here for the last 5 days or so to help out since Kyle had to go out of town. Abby has been loving it since my Mom spoils her worse than we do. She's had more treats and playtime than ever before and will no doubt drive us crazy for several days after my Mom leaves.
I'm ready to start exercising again and get my energy level back up so I can do things around the house. My hemoglobin levels were a little lower again just before the last treatment, so they are talking about me having to have another transfusion. With any luck we will be able to talk the insurance company into paying for a drug to help with the stimulation of red blood cells instead of the transfusion. Should know more about this sometime this week. My catheter that they put in last week instead of another port-a-cath is healing slowly. The incision from my initial port-a-cath still has not healed completely, so they will leave the catheter in until then. At least they can use that instead of having to stick me everytime they need blood or I get chemo.
On the genetics front, we have yet to hear from the genetics lab with the results of my blood work. We hope to know something by the end of the week.
Happy Halloween Everyone!!
"And this too shall pass....."
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Treatment 5
Well, I'm off tomorrow to spend the day getting treatment. I am now on the backside of my treatments (only 3 more after this) and I'm feeling better than I have in the last 5 months. I'm able to exercise on a more regular basis and I'm not getting light-headed nearly as much as I used to.
Mom comes in town this week to keep me company and play with Abby while Kyle is in and out of town. Supposed to be beautiful weather so I'm sure Abby will have Mom playing with the soccer ball alot in the backyard.
Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.
"And this too shall pass......"
Mom comes in town this week to keep me company and play with Abby while Kyle is in and out of town. Supposed to be beautiful weather so I'm sure Abby will have Mom playing with the soccer ball alot in the backyard.
Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.
"And this too shall pass......"
Friday, October 9, 2009
Oh No - I'll be 42
Well, tomorrow I turn 42 and I'm verry happy to be able to celebrate turning 42. We will be in Knoxville watching the VOLS play against Georgia. I'm hoping that the fall leaves have turned and will be able to enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
My nausea and pain showed up a little early after treatment 4, but it also went away about a day earlier than it has. I've been able to enjoy most of this week - minus the rain of course - and I have big plans for next week ...... cleaning a room upstairs and some flower beds out front before it gets cold.
Remember, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and even though you may not think that you know someone who is affected you would be surprised at how many truly are. So remind everyone to be more diligent in screening not only for female breast cancer but for male breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer. These can all related genetically and can be traced to some of the same gene mutations. Doesn't hurt to be proactive in ones own health.
"And this too shall pass......"
My nausea and pain showed up a little early after treatment 4, but it also went away about a day earlier than it has. I've been able to enjoy most of this week - minus the rain of course - and I have big plans for next week ...... cleaning a room upstairs and some flower beds out front before it gets cold.
Remember, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and even though you may not think that you know someone who is affected you would be surprised at how many truly are. So remind everyone to be more diligent in screening not only for female breast cancer but for male breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer. These can all related genetically and can be traced to some of the same gene mutations. Doesn't hurt to be proactive in ones own health.
"And this too shall pass......"
Thursday, October 1, 2009
4th Treatment Down - 4 to Go
Well, I had my 4th chemo treatment yesterday and only have 4 more to go. Yeah, halfway done!!!
I did get a chance to speak to a genetic counselor yesterday. My doctor has suggested genetic testing due to my age and the type of cancer that I have (unusual to have ovarian cancer in your early 40s). They suspect a family history and want to delve further into my family tree. This should be interesting. If something is found, at least my siblings and their kids will be better informed and be a little more closely watched in the future.
Its another beautiful fall day. I'm going to be a couch potato for the next several days as I am anticipating not feeling all that great. I should be back up and feeling much better by mid next week.
"And this too shall pass......"
I did get a chance to speak to a genetic counselor yesterday. My doctor has suggested genetic testing due to my age and the type of cancer that I have (unusual to have ovarian cancer in your early 40s). They suspect a family history and want to delve further into my family tree. This should be interesting. If something is found, at least my siblings and their kids will be better informed and be a little more closely watched in the future.
Its another beautiful fall day. I'm going to be a couch potato for the next several days as I am anticipating not feeling all that great. I should be back up and feeling much better by mid next week.
"And this too shall pass......"
Monday, September 28, 2009
What a Beautiful Fall Day
Not a cloud in the sky......temperature in the mid-seventies....wow, what beautiful day!! I'm sitting outside enjoying the sunshine on a fall day with my Lab, Abby. Kyle and I had a wonderful (but rainy) weekend in Knoxville watching the UT football game. How I wish we could have stayed an extra few days and gone hiking in the Smokey Mountains...not that I would have had the energy to go on a hike longer than 100 feet!! When we left, the sun was shining and mild temperatures were expected for the day.
Another couple of days and another treatment....just another bump in the road to a full recovery.
"And this too shall pass......"
Another couple of days and another treatment....just another bump in the road to a full recovery.
"And this too shall pass......"
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
It's Now Week 11 since my surgery
It's now week 11 since my abdominal surgery and I'm moving right along.
My 4th chemo treatment is scheduled for next week and I will be half way thru the treatments. The past week or so has not been quite as expected.....a lot more fatigued than I was expecting. Before I've been able to feel almost normal after about day 8 following a treatment but this past week has been a little different. I'm bored and restless but when I try to get up to do things I'm out of breath and easily tired. I've been told that this is just part of the process and it will continue to slowly get worse until its all over and I'm thru with all my treatments. I'm just not used to sitting around watching TV and reading ALL the time. I've never been one to sit around and just "surf then net" either.
Kyle and I are going to get out of town again this weekend and go see the VOLS play in Knoxville. It will be a tiring trip but well worth it for a change in scenery.
Abby is doing great and still growing .... she's up to 70 lbs. now and still only 9 months.....she's going to be a big girl.
All your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated. "And this too shall pass......."
My 4th chemo treatment is scheduled for next week and I will be half way thru the treatments. The past week or so has not been quite as expected.....a lot more fatigued than I was expecting. Before I've been able to feel almost normal after about day 8 following a treatment but this past week has been a little different. I'm bored and restless but when I try to get up to do things I'm out of breath and easily tired. I've been told that this is just part of the process and it will continue to slowly get worse until its all over and I'm thru with all my treatments. I'm just not used to sitting around watching TV and reading ALL the time. I've never been one to sit around and just "surf then net" either.
Kyle and I are going to get out of town again this weekend and go see the VOLS play in Knoxville. It will be a tiring trip but well worth it for a change in scenery.
Abby is doing great and still growing .... she's up to 70 lbs. now and still only 9 months.....she's going to be a big girl.
All your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated. "And this too shall pass......."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Third Treatment Down - 5 to go
Well, I had my third chemo treatment last Wednesday and I'm on the mend. My weekend wasn't too bad.....a little more fatigued than the last time. Going to have some blood work today to see if I need another transfusion or not. If my red blood cells are too low then that would account for the fatigue.
Been rainy here in Memphis, so sleeping while not feeling well worked out well....just look outside, all cloudy and misty and all anyone would want to do is curl up and snooze.
Missing Kyle yesterday and today as he is out of town for work. Abby really misses him when he's not here (so do I).
Hopefully the next two weeks will be uneventful....trying to go to Knoxville again for the UT v Ohio game....have to wait and see how I feel a couple of days before we go. Should be a great time to be in East Tennessee as the leaves will be beginning to turn which always makes the trip more relaxing and enjoyable (I feel like I'm going home......).
My next treatment is scheduled for September 30th so you may not hear much between now and then. I usually just try to exercise per docs instructions and take it easy with house work and laundry....wouldn't figure anyone would want to hear how much laundry I've done today.
"And this too shall pass......"
Been rainy here in Memphis, so sleeping while not feeling well worked out well....just look outside, all cloudy and misty and all anyone would want to do is curl up and snooze.
Missing Kyle yesterday and today as he is out of town for work. Abby really misses him when he's not here (so do I).
Hopefully the next two weeks will be uneventful....trying to go to Knoxville again for the UT v Ohio game....have to wait and see how I feel a couple of days before we go. Should be a great time to be in East Tennessee as the leaves will be beginning to turn which always makes the trip more relaxing and enjoyable (I feel like I'm going home......).
My next treatment is scheduled for September 30th so you may not hear much between now and then. I usually just try to exercise per docs instructions and take it easy with house work and laundry....wouldn't figure anyone would want to hear how much laundry I've done today.
"And this too shall pass......"
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Well, I made it thru
Yes, I had a wonderful trip to Knoxville.....got to go see my VOLS win and visit with friends we only get to see once or twice a year. I'm feeling almost normal these last several days, but that is about to change. My next treatment is scheduled for tomorrow, so I plan on not feeling good over this up coming weekend.
My friends and family have been continued support throughout my illness and I want to again let them know how much there help and prayers have meant to me. Without your continued presence in my life, whether thru email, comments or personal contact you are there for me no matter what has come up, Thank you.
"And this too shall pass....."
My friends and family have been continued support throughout my illness and I want to again let them know how much there help and prayers have meant to me. Without your continued presence in my life, whether thru email, comments or personal contact you are there for me no matter what has come up, Thank you.
"And this too shall pass....."
Friday, September 4, 2009
Happy Labor Day Weekend Everyone
Well, I'm feeling good enough to definitely go to Knoxville this weekend. I've been taking it easy and resting a lot. I've been able to get together with friends and visit for a while .... nice to get out of the house for a change.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe Labor Day weekend.
"And this too shall pass......"
Wishing everyone a happy and safe Labor Day weekend.
"And this too shall pass......"
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Ankle Update - Good News
Well, I got good news the other day in physical therapy. My right ankle has progressed well enough to be able to be released from phyiscal therapy and just follow thru at home. We are making progress in the healing of my many health issues.
As for my chemo and how I feel.....I have recovered much more quickly this time that after the first chemo treatment. I am now able to go for walks and build up my strength and endurance a little more, which should help me in the long run. I even feel well enough and have enough energy (won't know until I try) to go to the opening UT football game on Labor Day weekend in Knoxville. Go Vols!!
My next chemo treatment is scheduled on September 9th and I'm hoping it will proceed much as the second one has....with a little less bone pain if possible.
As for my chemo and how I feel.....I have recovered much more quickly this time that after the first chemo treatment. I am now able to go for walks and build up my strength and endurance a little more, which should help me in the long run. I even feel well enough and have enough energy (won't know until I try) to go to the opening UT football game on Labor Day weekend in Knoxville. Go Vols!!
My next chemo treatment is scheduled on September 9th and I'm hoping it will proceed much as the second one has....with a little less bone pain if possible.
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