The Walk

The day after Thanksgiving was a crisp sunny day, so while Doug put up outdoor Christmas lights and the girls were unloading the overly packed dishwasher, I put on my hooded sweatshirt and sleeveless down jacket, gloves and walking shoes and headed out to walk over 4 miles to and from the post office. I've done this in the past before I was sick, and have inevitably called to be picked up on my way back.

I started out down into town with a lively step, pockets stuffed with tissue, chap stick, a water bottle, keys, phone and ipod. I was set. About a mile into it I stopped into our medical building to use the restroom, then off again. Getting a little warm, took off my gloves and shoved them in another pocket. I wound through the older neighborhoods of town, across the railroad tracks, past the antique store and the police station, then the last stretch to the post office. Everyone else going in from their cars, unaware of the feat I feel I've accomplished. I called home, Andi answered giggling expecting me to be calling for a ride. I said, "no I'm fine, I just wanted to call to say I got all the way here, and got no mail." We made a pact that she'd meet me at the church a mile from our home if need be.

The sun was now beating against my back on the way home, but I couldn't take my jacket off because of everything strategically placed in my pockets. Further down the street past the antique barn again, the fire station and boutiques, I popped into the coffee shop for another potty break, it was loud with people laughing and talking, and the smell of coffee was strong. This was usually the time I would call home for a ride, but not this time. Off again, I turned right and started the gentle uphill walk across the railroad tracks, up to the stop light where I crossed over where walk uphill was even more steep. I was hot and sweaty when some friends drove up and offered me a ride home. "Thanks, but I'm really determined to make it." I made it past the medical building walking step by step, breathing heavily, looking ahead to the light where that church is, setting my sites on it. Once I got there I stopped, smiled, and continued on past barking dogs on the other side of a fence, then across the boulevard cutting through the open space between homes, back into our neighborhood, still uphill, huffing and puffing. Another friend pulled over saying she was impressed when she saw me trudging up the hill as she had gone into town earlier. A little more chit chat then I rounded the corner onto our street, walking one foot in front of the other, smiling knowing I made it. It took an hour and a half. Doug was just climbing back into the upstairs window finishing up the lights. Our dog, Logan, ran out to greet me. Doug and the girls congratulated me. After I caught my breath, the first thing was a shower, the second was a plate with an encore of dinner the day before, just smaller portions.

It's a couple days later, and I'm feeling it in my bones but am proud of what I did, and am kinda anxious to do it again, next time with one less jacket.

Giving Thanks

Well, it took longer than it should have, but finally the results of the comparisons on the CT-scans got done, and we're thankful to find out that there's been no major changes in those abnormalities in my liver and are likely benign cysts. So I'm now just dealing with my new crop of hair growing back in (a little darker unfortunately), the numbness still in my feet, and continuing to train my new system, which from what I hear from my doctors is further along at this point than most patients who've gone through the same procedure.

So 16 months after my initial diagnosis, the skunk is now dead. As our dear Dr. Acker said at the beginning of all this, fighting cancer is like trying to kill a skunk with a baseball bat... you'd better kill it with the first swing – and we did.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! It certainly is.

CT Scan results

We met with Dr. Basche today to go over the CT scan results. Her first words were that everything looked great. But then she mentioned there are several small (4mm) abnormalities that showed up in my liver, but that they were there a year ago in my initial CT scan, and don't seem to have changed or grown. Because of that she doesn't think there's anything to worry about, and that they're probably benign cysts which are small pockets of fluid that are common. And since I've been off chemo since last April, they would be 1 or 2 cm by now if they were cancer.

My liver function is normal, as well as my white and red blood counts, and platelets; and my tumor marker levels are very low, which all indicate everything is good, but there is slight concern with these abnormalities.

The plan of action is that she ordered a comparison of the 3 CT scans I've had, and depending on those results I'll either go in for another CT scan in 3 or 6 months. Regardless, I do go back to see her in 3 months, and every 3-6 months thereafter, until I'm 5 years cured, then it will stretch to once a year.

Follow-up CT scan

Today was my follow up CT scan from chest to pelvis. At 7am, an hour and a half prior, I had to drink less than a quart of an oral contrast agent that contains dilute barium. This helps the radiologist identify the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small and large bowel), detect abnormalities of these organs, and to separate these structures from other structures within the abdomen. The taste wasn't nearly as bad as I expected, it was like a thick, weak vanilla milkshake with just a little chaulkiness to it. It went down pretty easily. I'm glad I thought to put it in the refrigerator the night before.

Off to the hospital by 8am, checked in at admitting, then back to Radiology Waiting. Pete, my technician, came for me before I was even done with the last bit of paperwork. Then back to put in an IV, and then back to the room with the CT scanner.

The CT scanner looks like a large donut with a narrow table in the middle. I didn't even have to change into a hospital gown, just took off my shoes and laid down on my back on the table. I moved through the scanner feet first with arms over my head 3 times, remaining motionless the whole time except for when it instructed me to hold my breath and then breathe again. Then Pete released the iodine into my IV and I instantly felt a warmth in my face and mouth, down my body and into my pelvis. It also gave a slight taste in my mouth, but nothing bad. Then through the machine two more times, holding and releasing my breath when it said so. And that was IT... the entire procedure, including set-up, the scan, and removing the IV, took less than 15 minutes.

Results take a few hours, and they'll be sent over to Dr. Basche. We could call tomorrow for them, but we meet with her in two days on Friday anyway, and she'll go over them with us. I expect nothing but good news. Right?!

P.S. The results of the ulcer biopsy came back, and there was "no evidence of cancer, or abnormalities." Whew!

A better colonoscopy

Hi Family and Friends
I wanted to update you from our last blog. We've gotten a bit behind with our updates. We did get Debbie's blood work back that tests for tumor markers. A tumor marker is a substance found in the blood that is produced by the tumor. Here's some terminology for ya...CEA. That's short for carcinoembryonic antigen. That's the bad stuff produced by the tumor. Her marker came back at 0.8. Anything less than 2.5 for a non-smoker is considered normal. So if the marker is low, nothing bad is producing bad substances meaning there probably isn't a tumor growing. So we are good there.

Today was Debbie's follow-up colonoscopy and the results came back negative, which is good. The doc did see a small ulcer and did biopsy the area. He didn't seem too concerned and we'll know the results in about a week. I feel very confident that an ulcer is all it is. We had the same doctor as the last time and he was so relieved to give us that news, as opposed to what he had to tell us a little over a year ago. Deb does have to do another one in a year.

Next week we have a CT scan scheduled and when it comes back negative (and it will) I think we'll have a little time off from poking and prodding and tests. She still needs to get blood work done about every 3 months but that is not so bad. We get to see our Rocky Mountain Cancer Center family that way.

We feel very fortunate that we have doctors and surgeons who are so pro-active with Deb and her care. If, God forbid, there ever is recurrence they want to be able to treat it at the very beginning stages...but of course we'll never have to worry about that.

Thanks again for your caring and support of Deb and our family. It is most appreciated.

-Doug

3-month follow-up

I went back to the Cancer Center today for my 3-month follow-up. It was nice walking in there holding on to Doug's arm because I wanted to, not because I had to; and seeing all the nurses and technicians again this time, healthy. My blood was drawn and vitals taken, then we saw Dr. Basche. After a long discussion about my recovery after surgery, she feels all is going well with me. When the blood results are back on Friday she'll let me know if there's any concerns, or if I need to be taking any particular vitamins. We did conclude that I should have a CT-scan for peace of mind, so its scheduled for Nov. 4th, and I've also scheduled my next colonoscopy on October 24th, also for peace of mind. Both procedures have unpleasant prep, but nothing I can't handle.

Lovely luncheon

Today I got together with 3 ladies that were in the Healing Circle group from a few months ago. It was at the home of Julie Clark, of Baby Einstein fame. We talked and shared our experiences and where we are now in our treatments and recovery. Before we had lunch, we retired to the theatre room and watched the movie "Crazy, Sexy Cancer," a video journal of a young woman's experience filmed from the first day she was diagnosed through her remission 3 or 4 years later. Watching it made me wish I had my family take more pictures and video of me this past year so I'd have a visual of what I felt and looked like, thought and experienced, but at the time I probably wouldn't let them, and they respected my wishes. That's why I'm thankful for this blog, so I can at least go back and re-read it - someday. I haven't yet. Not sure when I will.

To Doug

There is another big Thank You due, and that is to my husband, Doug. He has been amazing, absolutely amazing. This has definitely been the most difficult time in our 26 year marriage, but I saw the very best in him THIS year. He's taken care of me, pampered me, scolded me when I tried to do too much, he's seen me at my very worst and saw me back to good days over and over again. He's been with me at every single doctor appointment, treatment and follow-up visit, and there were a lot. He's watched as I lost my hair, my weight, and my control; as I took lotions, potions, powders and pills; as I lay in bed not barely able to turn over. He's encouraged me to sleep and to get up and take a walk, holding my arm the whole way. He's brought me water, medications, crackers and meals. He's been the communicator to all of you, answering calls, emails and the door. He's taken the kids to appointments, school, events, and their plays, helped with homework, computer problems and everyday issues. Did the laundry, the dishes and the vacuuming. He's made me feel nothing less than beautiful, even through all that he's seen, had to do, and witnessed. Now I can see why some marriages don't survive cancer, but ours did and has become stronger. Thank you for getting me through this with patience, understanding and unconditional love. I love you.

At the end of one road, and beginning another

We saw my surgeon, Craig Brown, this morning – any and all concerns about my new system and controlling it came out on the table. I could not imagine the rest of my life having to deal with what I've dealt with these last 2 weeks. The good news is "it will get better, and more manageable." With more fiber, lots more water, and some products to help keep things moving, I should return to normalcy very soon, within 6 months he said. Then he removed my 6 staples, said the incision is healing great, and suggested I get another colonoscopy by November, and another followup with him in 6 months. I thanked him with all my heart and a tear in my eye for saving my life. What a great surgeon, and an incredible man.

It is at this point, at the end of my cancer journey and the beginning of the rest of my life – that I would like to thank each of you who were there for us with support, well wishes, cards, messages, dinners, gifts and most of all your prayers. All of them made us feel good, but it was the last one that performed the Miracle. We ARE truly, truly blessed.

Post Surgery Update

I'm happy that 13lbs of that fluid weight has come off, making my stomach more comfortable. The incision area is just fine, I can sneeze and sit up without concern. The staples come out next week. My system has definitely woke up but the unpredictability of it is keeping me close to home. I've noticed I can now sleep on my side again. Up until a day or two ago that was too painful.

We have been so fortunate to have friends and neighbors bring us dinners again. Although I'm up and around, I shouldn't be bending and lifting too much, so this has been a God-send for us. Thank you to them for the delicious meals and their thoughtfulness.

Doug's going to a funeral today of a good friend of ours who lost his battle with cancer. In months past, Brian and I would talk on the phone, compare treatments and co-misserate. Rest now, my friend.

Like a tree trunk

It is wonderful to be home. I'm getting up occasionally for short walks. Other than some nausea and an occasional headache, another thing I'm experiencing is water weight gain. My stomach is so bloated it feels like a tree trunk. After not eating for 4 days, I was curious to step on the scale, imagine my alarm when I was 16lbs more than when I went into the hospital. Three of those pounds dropped off in the middle of last night, and, according to my surgeon, the rest will too, quite quickly - it's just that they pumped me so full of fluids, it has retained itself in my midsection. I'm going to trust him on this one, like I've done all along the way. He'd better be right...

Home

Ahhh, what a great feeling to have Debbie home. Nothing like it in terms of recovery. We got to visit in the Pres./St. Lukes Hilton a little extra longer than expected but Debbie's doing great now. A little nausea still but the meds are helping with that. Doctor Brown was very happy with her progress and said "Let's get you outta here". He also said something else that was so profound and really hit home. With a big smile on his face he said "Welcome back". Those two words really made us reflect on what a long and difficult year it has been. But those two words also signified much hope for our future!!!

I see this blog continuing but instead of updating you with treatment, it's now a blog of progress and recovery for Deb.

It's wonderful to make that switch.

Positive Vibrations

-Doug

Struggling a bit today

Hi All,
Deb's been struggling a bit the last few days with the post-op and recovery. She been nauseous much of the time and a bad headache. She needs to walk to get her plumbing to wake up but when she walks she gets sick. It's a delicate balance. We may be in the hospital a bit longer than anticipated, but we'll see. Hopefully things will turn around soon and we can get her home. I think home will be some good medicine for her.

-Doug

Success

Hello All,
You're prayers worked. God has blessed Debbie again by allowing another successful surgery. Everything went textbook in the operating room. She's tired and a bit sore but in great spirits and very relieved. We'll probably be in the hospital a couple more days. We are waiting on the plumbing to start waking up and then we should be able to go home.

Deb will be on a five year watch now and our newest prayer is for total remission.

Thank you all so much for supporting our family through this past year. We are truly blessed to have family and friends like you.

Positive Vibrations
-Doug

Today is the last surgery

We're about to head out to the hospital, but wanted to say a quick, and BIG "Thank You" to all of you who have wished well on this day. I know the illiostomy reversal will turn out successfully with all the prayers that have been sent up - just like all the other steps of this journey. To borrow words from my mom, "I'm a little worried, but very joyous for the outcome." I'm sure Doug will post again soon. My love to all.....

Our last step in Debbie's treatment.

Hello All,
Monday is Debbie's last surgery and I'd like to ask for your prayers for a successful surgery and beyond.

Thanks so much
-Doug

Feet, oh numb feet

There's been no improvement in the numbness of my feet yet. It's such an odd feeling, but one I'm okay dealing with as long as I know it'll eventually get better. What I DO feel, however, is a sensation that makes me think my body is attempting to heal that part. If you've ever had e-stim (electrical stimulation), you may understand. It's like when the dial gets turned up and you start to feel a vibration, then it gets turned down again. It happens about 2-3 times a minute, and only one foot at a time, not simultaneously. And in my fingers too. It doesn't hurt, just an odd sensation.

Next Monday at noon is my final surgery to get the ileostomy reversed. I should be in the hospital about 3 days, then recovery at home. This week is being spent finishing up my newsletters and preparing to be “down” again for a short while. This is the last leg of the journey, then I'll be whole again. I'll need to go in for regular colonoscopies and testing, but it'll all be for screening and prevention at this point.

Good news today

At today's appointment with Dr. McBride, Urogynecologist, he said things look much improved since my last visit 6 weeks ago, and that it should continue even more with time.

Final surgery date set

I just heard from Dr. Brown's scheduling, and it's looking like August 24th for my final surgery to reverse the illiostomy and get my plumbing back to normal again. Yeah. They say there's no bowel prep work necessary (yeah), and that I should expect to be in the hospital only 2 to 3 nights (yeah? I guess... it's better than the first one which was a week).

One year today

Hello Family & Friends,
Wow, it has been an amazing year for Deb and I. One year ago today Debbie was diagnosed with stage 2 colo/rectal cancer. The highs and lows we’ve experienced have been the most intense emotions we’ve ever experienced. But mainly, the incredible friendships and support you all have shown us have been overwhelming in a most positive way and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
 
A lot of you saw, on a daily basis, what the cancer and treatments did to Debbie. It tore her down unlike anything I’ve ever seen. But even on her worst days, she still never even for a moment thought that cancer would beat her. And to that, to see her today, other than a few remaining side effects, you’d never know she spent the last year battling a killer. We have just returned from vacation (Our belated 25th anniversary) and Deb did wonderful. She even did the zip lines over the treetops. Not bad for a person who three months ago couldn’t get out of bed.
 
We still have one more surgery to go and are shooting for the end of this month. With God’s blessing (And He hasn’t let us down yet) the last surgery will go flawlessly and her recovery will be short. We have been fortunate to have been blessed with the finest doctors who not only provided excellent care, but who also showed overwhelming compassion and made us feel special. Thanks Dr. Acker, Dr. Basche and Dr. Brown.
 
God Bless you all for your most appreciated support!!!!
 
Doug
 

Postponed 25th Anniversary

We finally celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, postponed last October 1st for obvious reasons. We're now back from a week with friends in Cozumel, I felt quite good except for a little fatigue after zip lining 12 runs over the treetops. I am so thankful for my regained health, and the ability to do this kind of stuff again. I think back to 3 months ago when it was hard to get out of bed..... I was not as active as some of the group but enjoyed every bit of what I DID do, and watching the rest. Oh, and I was certain the doctors would have ordered a seaside massage, so I went ahead and had one while the others were snorkeling.

I started taking the Gabapentin 2-1/2 weeks ago for the numbness in my feet and fingers, and am still waiting for improvement. This Wednesday is a follow-up appointment with Dr. McBride to see if things are continuing to heal properly. Also this week I'll call Dr. Brown to see if I can set up the final surgery for either the end of August or end of September.

Numbness

The one final concern, as I've said, is the numbness in my feet and fingers, which seems to be feeling more so lately. I just got some answers from my oncologist.... that it IS a very common side effect from the chemo and it DOES usually get worse before it gets better. They tell patients to expect it for a year, although it could go away in 4 or 5 months, but they usually give the worse case scenario. There is medication that I could take, and it only helps with the symptoms, it doesn't speed up the recovery. It causes drowsiness, and starts to be effective fairly quickly. And it IS in fact neuropathy, the coating ends of the nerves have worn which causes it, but they'll regenerate eventually and it will go away.

Other than that, I'm feeling wonderful! There was a light at the end of the tunnel and I believe I'm in it.

Doing well.

I realize it's been a while since my last blog, but no news is good news. I'm doing very well. I still have numbness in my feet which seems to be getting worse not better. It's not painful, just uncomfortable - it feels like my feet are numb from cold and I'm walking on a rubber welcome mat. And there's still a very small amount of the same in my fingers, but just slight.

I just got back from my first extended trip away from home since all this happened, and did great. We drove to visit family and friends in our hometowns in IL, and I practically felt like a whole person again. I was told if they hadn't known what I went through, you'd never know it to see me. Self-conscious about my thinned out hair, my sister-in-law who has gone through cancer recommended I get Nioxin, it's a shampoo you use every 4th day or so to help with hair growth. Her hair has come back in thick and full, so I'll see in to picking some up.

The visit was good for my soul.

Last exam for a while

My run with doctors is slowing down... today's exam by a third obGYN should be my last for about 6 weeks. He confirmed once again no fistula, and no additional surgery necessary. The scar tissue caused by radiation should repair itself with time and continued, increased, medication.

I felt so good after returning home that I rode my Vespa to town to do errands. This was the first time I got on it since my treatments started, I simply didn't have the energy. It was great - very freeing. I just smiled the whole time.

Sunday of Surprises

First of all, Doug and I decided to go to the driving range this morning to see how I'd do. I felt very good and energized at the beginning, then half way through the bucket 'o balls I started to wane and had to sit for a while before getting up and hitting a few more. Then ended up giving my remaining golf balls to a man next to us who'd just hit his last. I was so thrilled that I was able to get out again and do that, but not as thrilled as when we arrived home to see Andrea's Jeep in front of the house. She surprised us and came home for the day! Even though we're getting "another" afternoon thunderstorm, it's a GOOD day.

No additional surgery

Dr. Brown called today, and after consulting with two other doctors, they concluded that an additional surgery will not be necessary!! I will need to meet with another doctor soon, and there will be some things I'll need to do to help repair that area damaged by radiation, but no surgery is WONDERFUL news. He also said they're on MY schedule now for that final "reversal" surgery, there is no hurry at this point, so we're going to get through our summer and assume late August for that. Thanks again for everyone's words of encouragement, unending acts of kindness, and all your prayers - they ARE working! There's still a ways to go until all the chemo is out of my system, but I am feeling better every day!

More "good news"

While visiting my oncologist on Friday, she pronounced me "cancer free"!! I had asked when I can say I am, and she said "oh you ARE and probably were right after your surgery in November" but since I still had to go through those four months of chemo to make sure, I'm using June 5th as my official notification. :)

"Good news"

"Good news..." is how Dr. Brown started when leaving me a voice mail. He believes there is no fistula from what he saw on the films, but would like to confirm this after one more thorough exam, that I have not yet scheduled. Meantime, my energy is coming back, so is my appetite. I feel His healing hands working!

Fistula

A fistula is an opening, or as the medical field calls it "a communication" between two areas of your organs. Due to some symptoms that's what the doctors were concerned I have, which is not good and would need to be repaired, as Doug mentioned in an earlier post. The first procedure was absolutely miserable though they said I may feel a little cramping, it was the worst thing I remember ever going through... they filled my colon with a sort of barrium enema, then while laying prone on a table had to move side to side while they took a number of films. It made me feel nauseous, faint and near passing out, let alone the cramping, which was not "a little." The nurse held my hand until it expelled from me, at which point I was fine and ready to go.

That test showed no visible fistula, so now they wanted to do another, this time from the "other area". This was yesterday, and it was not near as bad to go through, other than the fact they I had to go through it twice as the first films were not conclusive. It showed what looked like the iodine dye was escaping through a tiny tear, but it could be something else, hence the repeat of the procedure. This time it appeared to be finding its way to my uterus, not anywhere else that it's not supposed to be - which we were told is "good news".

Now the findings need to analysed and sent to Dr. Brown (my surgeon), who will then consult with my OBGYN and call me later in the week with the news. Right now, we are hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst (which would be another possible surgery.)

But as myself, my family and friends have been praying... if it's there, let God lay his healing hands on me and repair it naturally.
- Perhaps He already HAS. -

Port Removal

Yesterday I went in to have my port removed since it is no longer needed for chemo, or any of the upcoming surgeries. It was fairly quick, my face was tented so I couldn't see what was going on, and got a local anestesia to numb the upper right chest area (that was the most painful part), then while talking away with the nurses an incision was made, some tugging and pulling occurred to take the port out, then dissolving stitches were made on the inside and a glue adhesive on the outside and I was up and out of the room, and home we went. Not too bad at all, although it got a little sore once the painkiller wore off. I even went out to ladies night last night and met up with some good friends. Today, off to the post office to make my newsletter delivery, but I won't be doing the heavy lifting this time.

Future procedures

Tomorrow (Thurs.) I get my port removed, as it is no longer needed for chemo, and any surgeries won't be using it. We show up at 12:30 pm for a 1:00 pm procedure. There's no prep, and it won't be that big of a deal. They'll give me something, open up the upper chest area and take it out, and sew 'er back up. Then next Monday there'll be another appointment where Dr. Brown will inspect if there really is a fistula happening in me, which is a leakage from one area to another that is not supposed to be happening. If so, the repair work will be at a later day, we're hoping with some alternative methods I'm trying, it will heal itself. It's just important to first, see if it's there, and second, not do the illiostomy reversal until it's repaired. So, we're slowing things down and not in a hurry to get it all done by a certain date.

Healing or repairing

This afternoon I visited my acupuncturist and filled him in that there is leakage from one area to another that needs to be repaired, and so he adjusted his treatment to include electro-therapy in the pelvic area which promotes blood flow which in turn will help in the healing process. If it heals on its own (a very low probability), we'd be in a much better situation. I came home to hear Doug talking to Dr. Brown on the phone, he later told me that this is very serious, and if not done properly could lead to a permanent colostomy. There are a few procedures he wants to do next week, which will allow him to see the problem up close and personal. Wish us luck and that God will put his healing hands on me. Until later....

Again...Setbacks

Hello Friends and Family,
After meeting with Dr. Brown yesterday and another doctor today, we experienced the biggest setback yet with Deb's recovery. Apparently there are some complications that were discovered over that last few days of tests. What this means is that Debbie's final ileostomy reversal will be delayed indefinitely. This also means that Deb will have to undergo another fairly major surgery to repair some things before the final reversal. Deb will go in next week to have yet another test to see to what extent the damage is. There is a slight chance that today's diagnosis is wrong but doubtful. There is also a slight chance that the damage might repair itself. I ask that you muster up all the prayers you can, and ask God that this is the case.

This is really an emotional blow to both of us. We don't seem to be getting off this roller coaster any time soon. But, we'll have to pick ourselves up, dust it off, and continue down whatever path God has chosen for us.

On the positive side, Deb does continue to get stronger each day. I see more light in her eyes and she's up to whopping 121 pounds. She still doesn't have much taste in her taste buds, but her hunger is coming back. Although her hair is very thin, we are hoping it's going to turn around soon and stop falling out and start growing back in.

We appreciate your support, thoughts, emails, phone calls, acts of kindness, and especially your prayers.

-Doug

Blood Draw results

Yesterday's appointment at the hospital was relatively brief, they accessed my port, and did a blood draw. Results were printed out fast, and Dr. Basche took a look and said the red and white blood cell counts were within normal range. We asked if my port could be taken out since it won't be used during the last surgery, and we got the green light. So that procedure will be on May 28. The rest of the results have been faxed to Dr. Brown whom we see today at 1pm for a consultation and probably an exam. He'll give us a better idea of when surgery can be.

And kudos to my cousin Glenn who was diagnosed with lung cancer this past winter, and now after radiation, chemo and surgery has just been declared cancer-free!! Big hugs and congrats to him.

The good news

Dr. Brown called today and after reviewing the results of yesterday's procedure, there was no leakage, and all looked good!

Yuck, Setbacks, and Disappointment

Hi Friends and Family,
Yuck!! Today was pretty tough on Deb on two fronts. She had her procedure today to see if there are any leaks in the plumbing. Deb described the test she had to endure today as "worse than childbirth". It would have been intense for a healthy person, let alone someone who has just finished Chemo. They thought, for a short time, about admitting Deb to the hospital because she came very close to fainting and became extremely nauseous. She is home and resting comfortably this afternoon and we should get the results tomorrow.

Which leads to Setbacks and Disappointment. We talked with Deb's surgeon Dr. Brown this morning and after his discussion with Dr. Basche (oncologist) they agreed Deb isn't even close to her final surgery the end of this month. She's just to weak and frail from Chemo, so the surgery has been delayed minimum, one month. I am grateful to Dr. Brown for his honesty and concern for Deb. Her total and complete health is the primary goal here. But as a runner who has logged many races in my time, I know how Deb feels. To see the finish line, almost get there and then see the official drag that finish line another mile down the road would be harder than the middle of the race when you are just going about the business of racing.

Next week we have tests and consultations almost everyday. Still quite a bit more to do to hit that finish line, but as always, Deb handles everything thrown at her with courage and grace.

Thanks to all of you who read this blog and support us. We are grateful to have you as friends and family!

-Doug

Check-ups

I was in about a week ago, and they had a little trouble getting my blood pressure, it was pretty low, about 78 over 50-something, and trouble getting enough blood from my finger prick - so I had to get 1000 ml of fluids (1 hour), then they decided to do another 250 ml (15 more minutes). It seemed to help, it's sometimes hard to tell whether I benefit from that, but I do what they tell me.

Today I went in (without Doug who had to work). My blood pressure was 83 over 62, but when I stood up, it improved to acceptable. I hadn't numbed my port area, so Dr. Basche said as long as I continue to drink plenty of fluids I'll be okay, which I did. Other than that, we talked and she said I'm doing well, and congratulated me on getting through everything I have, and set up a couple future appts. She also said that in a couple months I'll tell a real difference in how I feel, and even start growing back the hair that still seems to be coming out.

Tomorrow I have another hospital appointment, this time at Presbyterian St. Luke's for a check up to see how things have recovered since the surgery last November. That is the last big hurdle before my final surgery at the end of this month.

I see the light at the end of the tunnel

It's all up from here.... I still feel the effects of last week's chemo, I'm tired, winded and feel a little numb all over, and am constantly putting on moisturizer but I know with each day I'll be feeling better and better - back to normal. Tomorrow I get another infusion of fluids to hydrate me, so it's back to the hospital again, but it'll make me feel better.

I just made my follow-up appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Brown for May 20th where he'll just check me out; and they've penciled me in for surgery the day after Memorial Day. That will work in well with my work schedule, allowing time to heal before the next newsletter comes around.

All our best to everyone!!

Yeah - #8 is done!!

I am sitting in “the chair” right now typing this with just another hour left of my very last treatment. Being a day later than usual, we’ve been talking to a new gentleman who has the same situation as me, and is on 3 of 8, it’s been nice to compare notes down to the nitty gritty. Things you wouldn’t mention anywhere outside this room. They added back in the Oxaliplatin which does make my fingers tingle, but all the doses have been lowered 25% so hopefully it won’t be too bad for this last one, and I’m not on deadline at the moment so I can sleep the next few days. I’m anxious to be DONE. Done with the loss of taste buds and appetite, dryness on the skin and in the mouth, the red, watery eyes, thinning hair, fatigue and weakness, the weight loss (somewhat : ) I’m done, I’m DONE! Other than taking the pack off Friday and more hydration from time to time, and check-ups down the road.

We brought the whole staff at the hospital a BIG box o’ chocolates as a thank you, and received a coffee mug that says "YIPPEE" on it, and a Certificate of Completion all signed by them. It just so happens our ol’ friend, Dr. Acker (my Radiation Oncologist), was here – he rotates hospitals when they need him - so we got to talk and thank him as well. Anyway, there will be a little down time the next week or more, but it’ll be uphill from there. And once I gain enough strength, I’ll be scheduling the surgery, at which time I’ll REALLY be done.

I opened my last gift from Sharon and it was about "Persephone" - Greek Goddess of Spring, which is so very appropriate, along with it was a ceramic piece with Spring flowers on one side, and "You are special to me" on the other. The feeling is mutual Sharon, thank you so much. And I've received a "goodie basket" from neighbor Deb W. with yellow roses, wine and cookies. What more could I want. And tonight, a salmon dinner will arrive from good friends, Stu & Ola. Mmmm. And I still receive wonderful cards, e-mails, Facebook responses and Blog replies. All this brightens my day and keeps my spirit soaring to great heights. Thanks, as always, to you all.

Delayed

Drats, all of our expectations of being done today were dashed because my white blood cell count was too low. Dr. Basche knew how ready I was to be done, but the risk of doing the last infusion today would mean that my ability to fight off infection could land me in the hospital. So, the solution was to give me a shot in my stomach of a drug that will boost those counts fast, and I can come in tomorrow for the last treatment — as long as the counts are good. It's just one more day, so I'm okay with that, except all of our infusion-room friends were there today, and won't be tomorrow. Meantime, I'm very tired and weak so I plan to sleep the afternoon away. I'll post again soon.

Hydration

I just went in today to have an infusion of fluids. I was supposed to on Monday and Wednesday as well but passed because 1) I didn't feel I needed it, and 2) I was busy getting all the newsletters to press. Which I DID.... on time!!! Yeah. But today I had no excuse, so I did. The room was pretty quiet, only one couple and a mom and son, so I was able to read quite a bit of New Moon (2nd book in the Twilight series, Andi made me do it! :)  

We're very excited that we've not only made plans this summer to come home to IL to visit mine and Doug's families, but also booked our long overdue 25th anniversary trip to Cosumel with friends. Our anniversary was last October, but due to these circumstances it got postponed - until now! I still need to get through this last treatment, then I can schedule the surgery to hook everything back up and remove my port, likely the last week of May. Then it's uphill from there.

Thanks to my old high school friend, Linda, who just got in touch with me after these some 29 years. Your message was inspirational, thank you. And you may keep those pounds, thank you. I had plenty of my own before this and don't wish to get them back. 

My love to all who check in from time-to-time, and who've done countless acts of kindness.

#7 Down, One to go...what a day.

Hi All,
Deb asked me to blog for her cause she's too pooped to blog right now. We have slain treatment #7 and have just one more to go. Back in August when we sat with Dr. Brown and listened, totally numb, to him tell us what we had ahead of us, I didn't know how we were going to get thru this. But here we are, close to the end of this journey. Of course we still will need to be on guard for quite some time, but this part of it is almost over for us. The one thing cancer has taught us is what a person is capable of doing in the midst of adversity. We are honored to have come to know some very special people who share our fight in the infusion room who also have shown us what a person can do under enormous odds.

Okay, about yesterday. While meeting with Dr. Basche she said it's time for a change. The treatments are just dragging Debbie down too fast. So she eliminated one of the three drugs in Deb's chemo cocktail for this treatment. It is the drug that causes so much numbness and pain in her hands (also probably the most aggressive of chemo drugs) and the hope is that Deb can get thru this treatment and function somewhat better since she's in her deadlines with work. Dr. Basche assured us that this is commom to drop it for one treatment since it's a very tough drug to handle. It seems to have worked, Deb can move around and function better than previous treatments. Tomorrow and Friday will be tell tale days as those are her worst after treatment. And since Deb is down to 113 pounds they want her to go in next week (our off week normally) and get an IV infusion Mon., Wed., & Friday. It's to keep her fluid levels up and keep her hydrated.

So, we get home in the late afternoon and about dinner time Tori starts having pain in her neck/shoulder. By 7:00 she is in agony and I call her pediatrition. He has me come right down and after examing her, calls 911, they show up and proceed to strap her to a back board, tape down her head and we enjoy a ride back up to Skyridge. I told her she looked like what they do to a NFL player after a hard hit. After 4 hours of tests they conclude that she pinched a nerve in her neck and the muscle spasmed severly causing the intense pain. She's home now resting and on muscle relaxants for a few days. I'm going to get her into Integrative Medical also for some treatments to help relax the neck muscles. I did pray to God and thanked him that it wasn't anything more serious (they were talking possiblity of liver, pancreas, or gallbladder before the test started).

So it was a very adventurous day to say the least. But Deb seems to be functioning better and Tori is fine so all's well.

Again, from my heart, thanks to all of you for checking in, emailing, calling, acts of kindness. It is our family and friends that keep Deb fighting to beat this beast!!

-Doug

Day before #7

I suppose I'm as ready as ever for #7 tomorrow. This past week has been harder than in treatments' past. Only able to be up and around for a while before I'm ready to lay back down. Luckily Dr. Basche has agreed to lower my dosage again for these last two so I can function and get my work done.

There's a medication I'm going to request that will help me feel hungry. Waking up at 113lbs. this morning does have me concerned because we've been told the chemo won't be as effective. And although it's hard to get it down, I'm eating as much as I can stomach, but still seem to be slipping away the pounds. We're getting so close, I can't wait to be done.

Between #6 and #7

Wow, these past few days have been very rough on me, bad neuropathy in the hands, and just laying in bed or sleeping. I seriously entertained the thought of opting out of the last two treatments. I was very emotional and it had me thinking that I could be done and on the road to recovery. But now that I've improved somewhat today, I realize Fridays are my worst days, and that I had better tough it out and finish the whole run. I will inquire with my oncologist to see what she thinks, and at the very least perhaps lessen the dose to allow me to function the few days after treatment.

#6 - and 3/4's done!

We're luckily between snows for today's 8:45am appointment. All went as usual except one of their machines was down so every patient's blood had to go to the hospital for analysis, so there was about an hour delay. I lost another 2lbs., and was told to bump up how many boosts I have a day, and really try to add calories (oh, darn). The drug to make me hungry was never brought up.

We've gotten to know many people in the infusion room who show up every Tuesday as we do, the conversation goes from lively when we first see each other, to more serious talking in depth of our personal struggles. Today I realized of the 5 of us, I'm the only one with a bright outlook. It's rough to look in their eyes knowing what they'll be facing soon. So I mainly listen, and comiserate over our side-effects.

Hooked back up to the shoulder-pack we left about 3pm into the windy weather, wearing gloves due to the tingling neuropathy in my hands. I later had to call a nurse back about something and she asked how it was when I left, and other than my hands I was fine, why? She said a few of the patience breathed in the cold air as they left and had to come back in because they got throat spasms and could hardly breath. That didn't happen to me, but she warned to always have a scarf to breathe into.

Then off to the acupunture appt. with a good treatment, advice, and mention of alternative ways to gain weight. Tonight, as I lay in bed, the tingling seems to have subsided in this position, but earlier I could hardly change clothes, open a pill bottle or rub hand cream on. Weird stuff. But on a lighter note, I opened a Sharon-gift - this time "Hera - Queen of the Gods" whose bird is the peacock so the gift was a beautiful peacock feather, which will find a place hanging on a wall. Anything lower and it will become a cat toy I'm sure. Good health to all, good night. (I know it's only 7:19!)

Between #5 & #6

The past couple days have been pretty rough, as usual right after a treatment, but today (Sunday) is much better. We've been outside enjoying the sunshine and 70° weather. I put on a pair of shorts, and while I'm pretty happy with having lost 30 lbs., it's a little shocking when I can put them on without unbuttoning, then sinching them up tight with a belt. I see a shopping trip in my future. Another shocking thing is how much hair comes out each day while I'm doing my hair. Luckily I had a lot to begin with and it's not too noticeable to others; and of course I'm thrilled I was able to keep it at all. As I mentioned before, my chemo cocktail for colo-rectal cancer is different from other cancers where you lose it all.

This coming week is my good week, and I've got the last of my newsletters to get to the printer, then all the bookkeeping and mailing involved - so I should have energy enough for all that. Andi heads back to college today after Spring Break; and Tori has just started hers. We all baked cookies together today. Life is good.

#5 done!

I am beyond halfway - yeah! Today's 5th treatment was a "treat" because Andrea got to come with since she's on Spring Break. I'm sure it was an eye-opener seeing them poke, prod and hook things up to me. We sure were entertained though with the good company and new friends we've met in the infusion room - Rick & Scott and Pat and her good friend Chris. I was still doing work on my laptop but the conversation was lively so I just had to interject occasionally. My blood count was good, a little low, but nothing too concerning. It just means I'll get another shot of Nulasta in my stomach on Thursday during the un-hooking. My dose was reduced yet again this time, and they still had me on the drip for 3 hours to make sure it didn't go in too fast.

I got hooked up to the 2-day pack, and my fingers tingle but felt fine enough to do a Sam's Club run with my two big helpers. Then an acupuncture treatment when I got back to Castle Rock. Then an amazing corned beef and cabbage dinner delivered from our wonderful friend Marsha, who'd also provided decadent dessert. And finally, my gift for Treatment Day from Sharon, this time "Gaia, Greek Goddess of Earth" and a beautiful delecate glass 4" square tray with an image of trees somehow embedded in it that you can see front and back. Thank you!

I know in a day or two this may get me down, so meantime I'm enjoying good talks with my daughters, watching them laugh and wrestle (until someone gets hurt)..., and need to continue getting more of the newsletters done while I can.

Thanks again to everyone for their cards, emails, offers of assistance, and facebook comments. It means so much!

Down a few pegs.

Right on schedule, it has knocked me down a few pegs. Yesterday and today has been spent mostly resting in bed, except for an acupuncture appointment meant to help me gain some energy for tonight, which I have plans with a couple friends. Let's hope it kicks in soon.

Unplugged after #4

I'm feeling a little drained today, but not near what I felt last round. The Dr. had lessened the dose just a bit, and it really helped. I dropped off to sleep for about a hour before my pack beeped about noon and it was time to go to the hospital to get unplugged. It went smooth. They said I looked MUCH better than last time. Although my blood pressure was unusually lower than normal, I seemed hydrated and didn’t need the saline infusion, but did get the Nulasta shot in my tummy to ensure my white blood cells counts stayed up. So, I'm back in bed, hoping for a couple more zzzz's this afternoon.

#4 and half way!!

Dr. Basche was not in today so we met with Dr. Rifkin, he has a great "bedside manner", we really liked him. He says my levels are all good, and that Basche is doing everything he would be doing for my case. My treatments started later than usual, 1pm, so we left about 4pm just in time to get to my acupuncture by 4:30. Other than the tingling starting in my hands again, I'm not feeling too bad! Back at home I got to open another Sharon-gift, which this time was "Athena - Goddess of Wisdom", along with the story of her (which I'll read when I'm down in bed) came a Wisdom Ornament of a girl reading and says "A lifelong love of learning." Well this whole journey has been a learning experience, and we'll be taking what we learned and applying our whole life long. Thanks Sharon. And thanks to all who have replied to Doug, and commented on my blog. My friends and family rock!

Supposed to be #4

We arrived at the hospital today anticipating my 4th treatment; I got weighed, they took my vitals, accessed my port, then I was into see Dr. Basche. The first thing she said was that my eyes looked tired, and I agreed telling her I feel like they look withdrawn and glazed. Then she mentioned my nutrifill (sp?) levels - or the white blood cell count - was low (1.2, where they like it over 1.5). These being my first line of defense against fever and infection, and the fact that it's going around my house with Tori and now Doug, she suggested we skip today's treatment and do it next week when hopefully the levels will be back up.

My weight was down 6 lbs. from my last visit (to 123), with that along with the dryness I'm feeling (hands, mouth, eyes), she wants me to drink even more liquids than I already am, and increase my calories by way of perhaps adding vanilla ice cream into my Boost nutrional drink, and adding fruit/vegetable juices. I have to up my use of Imodium too. I've been eating every meal, but I'm suppose they've been smaller because my tastebuds are only at about 50% so nothing tastes "great" at the moment. Since I already had my port in, and I was dehydrated, the nurses infused a half quart of saline. It just took a little over a half hour.

In a way I was relieved because I didn't need to spend 3 hours in the chair today and that'll give me another week to continue feeling stronger. But on the other hand it strings it out another week at the end, and I don't get to open a Sharon-gift for another week. I DID ask the doctor hopefully, "are there ever any cases where someone doesn't have to have their last treatment?" The reply was "occasionally if they're not able to handle it we would skip the Oxaliplaten (3 hr. drip), and just send them home with the 5FU (fanny pack of meds). I was just looking ahead and wondering... hoping.

As good as I felt after leaving, Doug and I decided to check out the new outdoor area at the Park Meadows Mall. We strolled in the 60° sunshine past stores and fountains as the smell of the restaurants filled the air. We stopped in to a New Orleans-type fish restaurant who was all decked out for Fat Tuesday. Doug had a catfish Poboy and I had a grilled fish taco and brought the remaining 3 home for leftovers. They talked us into fried pickles. Anyone ever have those? Amazing!! The waiter sent me home with 3 strings of mardi gras beads, and ALL I had to do was ask for them. Another 10 minutes sitting on a bench drinking in the sun's vitamin D, and we headed home feeling like we just played hookie from school.

Between #3 & #4

This round was significantly rougher than before. Thursday when we went in to unplug I felt like I was running at 50%, so the nurse hooked me up to a saline bag which ran for an hour. Once home I slept for 2 1/2 hours, which I usually never do. I couldn't get up and around much, but I did get to open my biweekly treat from Sharon, this time was the story of Artemus and a wood nymph fairy. Friday my eyes were very puffy, and hands were tingling and swollen, and again didn't have much energy, it was tough to work and feel like I was doing it accurately. I called the nurse to see if next time I could get less of something so I wouldn't feel so bad, and she said this is just the nature of chemo and that it is cumulative and this is just what I'll have to deal with. She suggested I come in to have my blood counts checked, but I declined thinking I just need to wait it out. Later on I managed to get to an acupuncture treatment and within a few minutes of leaving there Doug told me I'm getting the sparkle back in my eyes. Saturday was better, running more like 80% now and the swelling has gone down, I got a bit more work done and baked a batch of cookies for Valentine's Day, and after a mid afternoon acupuncture treatment I felt even better. It's early Sunday morning now, and it should be a pretty good day knowing it can just get better for the next 9 days. I've got lots to catch up on with work, but no appointments this next week will help.

Our continued thanks for the cards, well wishes, prayers and meals brought by. And the gift of all pampering items from my mom and sisters. They've been so appreciated!

Round 3

Today went smoother than usual, got into the lab to access the port, draw blood and do vitals very quickly. Then the doctor was on time and felt good about my blood counts, my platelets were a little low but still in the acceptable range, so she'll be watching that. She also explained that the later rounds of chemo, though they'll get a little rougher, won't be to the extent that I went through when I did the chemo and radiation simultaneously last fall. That was good to hear. She asked if I was experiencing diarreah, and I said I can't tell because of the illiostomy. With getting up twice a night, she recommended an Imodium before bed and that could slow things down for overnight and I'd get a better night's sleep. I'm all for that!

Again 3 hours+ in the chair, I was able to do work on my laptop and some paperwork, but also had great conversations with people going through the same thing, some with not as good prognoses but still amazing attitudes - which I'm finding to be a common thread, and vital to a good outcome. I got the 5FU pack attached again, and was out around 1pm.

I felt a little "foggy" right after the treatment, which one of the long-time veteran's there said "Oh yeah, join the club." And the tingling fingers started as we left the hospital, but it's not near as bad as before. Probably because of the extra vitamins I've been taking, as well as the tonic water (with quinine), plus Doug drove me to my afternoon acupuncture appointment where I got an extra 4 boosts of Vitamin B12, and his insistence that I take it easy tonight.
Which I did....

Between #2 & #3

Thanks for checking in... much like before the tingling sensation is worst right after treatment, but lessens within a few days, the fatigue gets me 3-5 days after but then I slowly gain strength back, the weight loss happened again getting me down to 125, I've only gained 1 pound of that back so far but there's still 5 more days before my next session.

The new thing I've noticed is the dryness - in my mouth, on my skin and in my sinuses, so I've tried to drink plenty of water, use a great dry skin creme called Eucerine (actually the Equate brand, it's less than half the price!), and am using the netty pot daily. If you're not familiar with it, it's a sinus rinse that everyone should be doing anyway to clear things out regularly, it even helps with allergies. A netty pot is found at health food/vitamin stores and looks like a small ceramic tea pot. Fill a glass 2 cup measuring cup with filtered water, heat in microwave for a minute, stir in 1/2 tsp. sea salt and stir to dissolve. Pour half into the netty pot, kneal or lean over your bathroom sink - but first get a supply of tissue handy! Insert the spout into one nostril and start pouring, positioning your head down and tilted so that it eventually comes out the other nostril, allow the whole cup to empty, then blow like crazy, and then do the other side with the rest of the water. You will never feel a sinus cleansing as good as this.

It's funny, before this whole cancer thing with the illiostomy and the port, I remember thinking this netty-potting is the oddest thing I'll ever do. Not any more... it's no big deal and very good for you.

Unplugged #2

About 10:30 my pack alarm beeped signaling I was about out of the 5FU and could run to the hospital to get it taken off my port. While there I was given a shot in my stomach of Neulasta, which helps to bring my white blood count up to fight off infection. I'm not sure why it's not able to be administered into the port, but they said "nope", and it just stung for a few seconds.

As for the tingling in my fingers, I was given a list of vitamins to help with the neuropathy, includeing Vitamin B, which I've just started taking 1000mcg, and Potassium, that I already had on hand, but will take regularly now; as well as folic acid and Vitamin E and Magnesium. I'm also experiencing an occasional cramping in my thumbs, so tonic water is said to help that (along with the homemade sugar cookies just sent to me from my mom and sisters! Mmmmm. Okay, I made that last one up.)

Hopefully being unplugged will lessen these symptoms in the next few days, however it's accumulative so they may get more severe with each round. Perhaps I'm heading them off at the pass now, and it won't be so bad. There is getting to be so much to do and remember...., thankfully Doug's keeping me on task, among everything else he's got on his plate!

Round 2

We left extra early today (7:45am) due to the cold and snow overnight, and the heavy traffic heading north out of Castle Rock. Turned out Dr. Basche was late, so we had extra time to complete the almost finished jigsaw puzzle, and start a new one. Once in, they accessed my port, drew blood from it, reviewed my levels, all were good except my white blood cell count that fights infection was low, so I'll be getting a shot for it on Thursday when I come in to remove the pack attached to my port. She also wants me to up my B12 to 1000mcg with a supplement to increase my white blood cell count (I think I understood that correctly). The infusion of Oxaliplaten was slowed down this time, so I was in the chair 3 hours. I did some paperwork, read a while, then learned a new game (Bananagram) given to me by my friend Beth to help pass the time. Doug had arranged a meeting nearby so that helped him chew up some time. Then I got flushed with saline, then pushed with F5U, then hooked up with the pack once again – this time an over-the-shoulder purse-look, instead of the fannypack style I had last time. That was soooo '80s. Out of there by 2:30pm.

Back home, I attempted to return emails but my fingers were tingling and hurting so back, I kept them short. I have the sensitivity to cold again, and a little sharpness while swallowing. I had to drop a prescription off at Walgreens and then head to my 4 pm acupuncture appointment. The simple task of steering the wheel, going into gear and park, and unbuckling my seatbelt hurt in my fingers a lot, so I mentioned it to Greg (my acupuncturist). He nodded and said I know what I can do, and 20 needles and a half hour later the sensation was all but gone. Absolutely amazing. Back home again, emptying the dishwasher I felt it coming back, so now I'm typing in bed, hands slightly upward on the keyboard and I'm back to feeling fine again. I guess I just shouldn't be doing housework, huh? This evening and tomorrow I take nausea pills every 4 hours and an anti-anxiety one before bed.

Knowing I'll be going through this process for 4 months, my friend Sharon felt it sounded more manageable if I think of it in 8 sessions instead. Before my very first treatment, she thoughtfully presented me with a crate of 8 gifts, one to be opened each day I go in for chemo. Trying to think of some theme that had 8 things, she though of the 8 Greek Goddesses, so attached to each gift is a print out with an explanation about one of them. So far I got a pine candle and beautifully smelling dried lavendar, and great detail about these ladies I would've never known. It is certainly the bright point of my day getting to reach in for this week's goodie. How very thoughtful, Sharon, thanks, it makes me smile!!!

Between treatments

I've noticed that the cold sensitivity has lessened as the days go by between treatments. I can gulp cold drinks and hold cold things without the sting. And the weight loss goes back up too. I had lost 5 pounds pretty quickly after the first day of chemo, but have gained 3 of them back. Of course, sister Kathy's chocolate covered peanuts and Tori's birthday cake has helped. I go back in for round 2 this Tuesday. They want to slow the drip due to a tingling in my tongue last time, so I'll be hooked up 3 hours instead of 2. I'd better bring a good book or work to do.

This weekend.

This weekend I'm feeling a little fatigued, like I'm walking through mud. Perhaps there's a couple of days delay in the chemo effects. I'll check to see if there's a pattern after the future rounds. And, what they warned me about not eating spicy, I (and my mouth) are starting to believe it. I think the salsa Friday night did me in. Stepping up the mouth rinse has helped.

Kudos to a neighbor who got his Test last week and was clear! And thanks to another who emailed about this Blog, “It really give us a full understanding of just how they’re "attacking” this, and how specifically to pray!” I'm happy to do it, and hope it's helping others.

The newsletters

Many of my readers and advertisers are wondering when the newsletters will resume, so I'm letting you know that I am currently working on gathering information and ads as we speak. The next deadline will be by February 10th, and they should be printed, mailed and hit the home mailboxes on or around March 1st. And then monthly thereafter (God willing), always with a 10th deadline. Thanks for asking, and I'm excited to be back at it, and pray I'll have the energy to continue without any further interruption.

Unplugged

Or as my friend says I'm "acoustic". Today about 9:30 am my gadget in the fanny pack rang out telling me it's depleted. So I shut it off as instructed, and away to the hospital we went to get disconnected. From what they said, I thought we'd be in and out quickly. Well, an hour later Doug got 12 puzzle pieces in to my 6. That tells you how long we had to wait. Hopefully it won't be that way each Thursday. Once in the room, Terry "pushed" saline, removed the needle (it stung a little), put a band-aid on my port, took my vitals, then we were outta there. No new noticeable side effects, just a bit tired this afternoon, but that was after numerous errands today. So I'm doing good.

Noticing Side Effects

As I start noticing side effects, I'll add them to this:
Day 1 / Jan. 13th: I’m already feeling cold-sensitivity. I touched thawed chicken through a ziplock and got pins and needles, so now I have gloves in the kitchen to wear when needed. Also, water colder than room temperature stings the back of my throat.
Day 4 / Jan. 16th: Still doing very good, just feeling a little tired this afternoon and am doing a salt/baking soda mouth rinse to stave off any possible issues there.
Day 6 / Jan. 18th: Feel fatigued but can still function. Taking shorter walks and going to bed earlier.

First IV Chemo Treatment today

We're back home after a long day. Left the house at 8:15, now it's 3:15. We checked in, sat in the waiting room, got called back and weighed (130), took my blood pressure and temperature (all fine), then in the lab accessed the port, drew blood, put in saline. Then to a room to wait for Dr. Basche where we discussed what to expect and watch out for. Back out to the lobby and worked on their jigsaw puzzle, (I got 5 pieces in, Doug got 7.) And finally called into the infusion room. I was the first of the day and got to pick which lounge chair I wanted. I got comfortable, covered with my favorite blanket friends got me in the hospital (thanks Stu & Ola). Nurse Terry first put in anti-nausea, then a steriod to help open things up to be receptive (took about 20 minutes), then Oxaliplaten (the first chemo drug) ran for 2 hours while Doug and I checked emails and read. Finally, the 5FU (another cancer killing drug) is hooked up to me in a device that looks like a big fat remote control and placed in a fanny pack with a tube leading to the port in my chest. I wear that until Thursday at 11am, at which time I go back to have it removed. Then I'm unhooked until the next visit in 2 weeks. I'm feeling a little like the Bionic Women with all these "things" protruding from my body. But it's "only temporary", right!?

It's just been a couple hours, and I don't feel any side effects to make note of other than a very odd one that I called about and they'd never heard of anything like it, and told be to take a Benadryl. Twice since I've left there I've welled up in tears. The blood that ran to my eyes burned like I was about to burst blood vessels. I quickly dried my tears to stop the pain. We were buying something at a store and the lady evidently saw the tubes protruding from my chest into the pack, and as we left she said "Good health and wellness to you!" It surprised and overwhelmed me I guess. Secondly, I get home to check my emails, and find that my cousin Glenn in IL has lung cancer and has do radiation and chemo, then surgery. It's been emotional to find this out, I will be adding him and his family now to my prayers.

I've got to go now for my acupuncture appointment to help with stress and naseau. Thank you all for checking in and your wonderful emails and comments. I haven't gotten to them all, but will soon I'm sure. Until later.

Chemo Education Class

Today was the class to get educated on my upcoming chemotherapy treatments. It consisted of watching a video then talking with an oncology nurse about what to expect when I come in every-other-week, possible side effects, warning signs, prescriptions, and then touring the infusion room where the IV drip will take place starting next Tuesday. I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be....

The Port is in.

Doug, Andrea and I arrived at the hospital at 8am (Tori started school today and couldn't join us), shortly after 9 I was getting an IV hook up and prepped, by 10:30 got wheeled to the operating room, and by 11:30 wheeled back out, and then an hour later was riding home.

While in the OR, small talk brought us from Broncos (the antisceptic was orange), to that the surgeon is from IL, a Bears fan, AND knows where my hometown of Walnut is!!, and that I and his assistant were Packers fans, neither of us happy about Favre's move to the Jets. That conversation calmed me down a bit. Then they draped a big blue tarp over me with a hole for my upper chest area, started my drip which calmed me down even more. I was aware and could feel discomfort as they prodded and pushed it in, but I just didn't really care.

Back in recovery I was finally able to drink liquids, and eat some crackers Andrea had brought along. I was quite sore so Coleen the nurse gave me a percoset. I couldn't leave until it kicked in. It FEELS like I got pounded with a hammer on my collar bone. It LOOKS like I have a stack of quarters imbedded under my skin. I thought I was going to have a device sticking out of my skin, but evidently the needles will go through the thin layer of skin into the port. With the help of numbing cream, I shouldn't feel it much.

For the next day it's important that I stay propped up so the blood goes down instead of out. And I have nurses orders to take it easy for the next few days, as if I hadn't already done that the last couple of months. I'm being well taken care of at home, and thank you all for sending your thoughts and prayers (again), as I get through the first of this LAST stage of the journey.

Port-Eve

Tomorrow's the day I go in for my port. I've been losing a lot of sleep the last few nights, waking up and not falling back for hours and hours. I start thinking about getting my newsletters started up again shortly, what there is to do, and new ideas; and then about this next round of chemo and how I may react to it. As for the port, I'm relieved to say that a friend who went through this 11 years ago said the surgery was easy and painless, this after she'd suffered through endless needle pokes before they finally decided on using a port. (Thanks for talking with me about this, Janet.)

I'm taking it a day at a time, just like before. That seems to be the best way to get through this very last stage of the Journey.