2011 Happy New Year from Chicago

Tuesday Dec 28, 2010....
"2011" OMG...Unbelievable!!! The past twelve months have gone fast. This means that I have been coming to Cancer Treatment Centers of America for 18 months. I continue to believe that God has led me to this Center. The way I feel and the progression of treatments makes me know that there is more to just taking meds and living a good life. With the guidance of God anything is possible!!

Robbin and I had to come out a day early because of the holiday travel. A month ago I made my doctor appointments and of course there are lots of travelers so to get a flight that we wanted was not available. So what did we do for a day???? Go shopping or go to the restaurant??? Ok, we did both. Although we did enjoy some R&R for the afternoon. We have been under some major stress, so the rest felt so good!!! Then to the bar for some visits with some friends we have met here. they are so friendly and always congenial.

Tomorrow we will go to the hospital in the morning for blood draw. In doing this I will get the results when we see the doctor thursday. I always have to wait till I get home to get the most important result.

Wednesday Dec 29, 2010.....
The blood draw went well and we were back at the hotel before 11:30. Both of us were so tired we just laid on the bed and before I knew it we were asleep. Must have needed some rest!!! After some lunch we worked on our computers, got bored and decided to go see True Grit. If you have the time, you really need to see it. One of the better movies I've seen.

Tomorrow I start appointments at 10am and my treatment is at 2:00. After that we'll go to the outlet mall to walk for a couple of hours. It really does help with the shots I get. I'm sure I'll be going to bed early.

Thursday Dec 30, 2010.....
All went well today. As always it seemed to be a long day and when we left I felt tired and sore. We got back to the hotel and because it was raining hard, we had to stay in. I am very sure about walking after my two shots so all I could do is walk inside. Needless to say I didn't get to much in. My doctor told us that my cancer marker is going up. She isn't to worried about it because she does Pt scans and MRI's every 3 months. They report that the cancer on the bone is stable if not decreased in size. Stress can effect the results and I'm sure that's what is happening. I didn't sleep well because of severe pain in my right shoulder. Pain pills help relieve some pain but I just was very uncomfortable all day. The doctor told me that if the pain continues I could start some radiation to help decrease the tumor so the pain decreases also. I will meet with a radiologist next month and make my decision then. I would have 10 treatments which means I would have to stay here for two weeks. That would be hard to do but with the pain I have, it certainly would be worth it. I am considering this.

Friday Dec 31, 2010.....
Still raining and the weather is calling for 27 decrees. That means freezing rain and icy roads. We leave the hotel at 4:00 so I'm hoping it doesn't start freezing until we get to the airport. We arrive in Denver at 8:30. We will be home to celebrate the new year. Robbin and I wish you all a blessed New Year!!

It's December in Chicago

December is such a beautiful month!! Patti and her fiance' Rob came with Robbin and I this time. We had planned to go to downtown Chicago to show them the Christmas lights and oh my, there were tons of people. We arrived here friday night, rented a car and drove to Chicago saturday morning. Of course all the Christmas shoppers were out in full force. One of our favorite restaurants is Gino's East Pizza. No one should come to Chicago without going there!!! We went back for more shopping Sunday and another favorite restaurant, The Tilted Kilt Sports Bar so of course we watched the Broncos ;( and Chicago Bears. That was fun! Oh and the food, well, it's another place you don't want to miss!! Sounds like all we did was eat and shop. LOL Monday I had a mammogram then we went shopping again. Yes day three!!! Rob and Patti finished their Christmas list and we got a good start.

Today we arrived at the hospital at 9:30am and the appointments started. My doctor came into the room and she had all good things to say. All but one test was back and the results were steady from last month. This month I started taking 2 anti-hormone shots, which the doctor says research shows is more effective. My prayer is that I don't have reactions to this. So far all that happened is a headache which was controlled with Aleve. We got back to the hotel, had dinner and I got packed and got PJs on. I'm ready to come home. We will get home tomorrow around 3:00.

Thanks Robbin, Patti and Rob for keeping me entertained. We did lots of laughing and made some great memories! Thanks to all my followers also. I couldn't do this without you!!! Love to all!! And Merry Christmas!!

It's November at CTCA

Seems this month has been so stressful. My mind plays games with me. For some reason I felt like there was something more going on with my cancer. As always God shows me His way. This month my doctor wanted me to have a Pet Scan and a CT Scan. Why? Some of the cancer markers that she watches, had changed just a little. This isn't alarming to her because the numbers have only gone up no more than 30 marks. She says if they double that's when she will be concerned. Hugh relief! She watches the markers so closely that any change and she begins more detailed testing. Well, with two scans yesterday, I just felt worn out and sick to my stomach. Also had a bad headache. This is so normal because of the radioactive formula for the pet scan and the dye for the ct scan. That's a lot of foreign stuff in me! Today my appointments started at 9:15. I saw my whole team today but was most interested in seeing my breast cancer doctor! She entered the room and my heart sunk. She began telling me that the blood tests haven't changed and then went into the results of the scans. All the cancer activity on the bone shows a decrease. What? Did I hear right? Yes, I did and all I could say when she said that was Praise The Lord! I'm telling you, it felt so good to know that all is going well. Especially after my feelings of despair. She does want to start a double dose of the faslodex. This is because studies show that double dosing decreases the activity of the tumors. So next month I will start those. Whatever it takes. I'm here because I feel the team of doctors here have saved my life and I will do what they want me to do. I believe this is my second home and second family. It is so comfortable here. After we got back to the hotel, Robbin and I went for a long walk together. The weather was so nice and to have my soul mate here with me just made it a perfect day. As I have said every month....thank you again for all the support and prayers!!! God bless you all!!!

Beautiful Colors in Zion

October already and the fall colors are so beautiful!!! As we flew in the trees were gold, red and orange. This area has thousands of trees which makes it so colorful. Robbin and I came out a day early so we could drive into Chicago. One thing we've never done is go to Navy Pier so that's were we went. The pier must be a mile long with lots of big white birds. Not my favorite! As we got to the end we notice several light houses. On the walk back the skyline was like nothing I've ever seen before. Very beautiful!! We then went to Gino's Eastside Pizza!! Yum..the best pizza you will ever have. Wednesday we arrived at the cancer treatment center early. Saw the doctor and all tests were good. I will get the final reading of the most important cancer maker soon. This is the one that they follow very closely and it's the one that went up two months ago. Seems I get very impatience waiting for this one! Wednesday wasn't the best day I've had. When I got up I just didn't feel the best which throws my whole day off. But as always I continue to push as hard as I can. We arrived home Thursday afternoon around 2:00. It has taken me a couple of days to get this blog to you because of the rest I required after this treatment. One good thing about that is I just got a call from my care manager about the blood result I was waiting for. She said it is only 5 points up from last month! This is a huge relief for us. Thanks again to all for the thoughts and prayers.

September at CTCA

Fall in this area is beautiful. The weather is cool, trees are starting to change color, evenings you need a jacket. My good friend Marti Hudson came with me this month. Whenever the two of us get together you better be ready to keep up. We are power shoppers and we know exactly what we are doing. Get out of our way! LOL! We got a cab on Thursday to take us to downtown Kenosha. This nice little city is located on the Michigan Lake. There isn't to many shops but the ones they do have are just sweet. We walked around for about 5 hours then got a cab to take us to Mars Cheese Castle. We didn't have much time but at least we got to see it. This is a place you could spent lots of time in. If you go you might have them ship your cheese home. It gets heavy! This morning my day started at 9:00. All the regular stuff with a little brake for lunch. Marti had pack us a nice lunch so we walked across the street to the park. She didn't know that birds are not my favor animal. There was lots of seagulls that wanted to eat with us! Yikes! We finished and headed in for my infusion. Everything went like it was suppose to. The doctors PA met with us and checked me out. She said I was doing good and would see me next month. This treatment is making me feel good about the quality of life I have. With the strength I get from all of you supporters, I can continue doing the things I love. God Bless You All.

The Day After All tests Were Completed 8-5-10

What a roller coaster ride we were on yesterday. First thing, we couldn't wait to go back to the hospital to see what the doc had to say about the PT Scan. My doctor is the most thorough doctor I have ever had. She sat with us for several minutes and explained that both scans showed little or no change in the bone cancer growth. She says the three blood test that she does to watch the cancer cells (for those of you that want to know what those tests are.......Tumor Markers, CEA, CA 15-3(breast antigen), and CA27.29) have been changing in small amounts except the CA27.29. This one went from 106.3 to 133.4. She has always told me this is the one she watches the closes so when she saw the numbers were up she started scheduling the scans. Yesterday at 4:00 I went in for the MRI of the head. With this test they put your head in a catchers mask and tie you to the table. Then the machine glides you to the center, about 4 feet in. If I open my eyes all I see is white tube like stuff....very confining. I did tell the doctor that I would like to take an ativan to help relax me so I don't freak out in the machine. After all they have you inside for about 40 minutes. I did sleep through the whole thing but then I had to get up, get dressed, walk down to find Robbin and get back to the hotel! Funny thing is, I don't remember much of any of that. Robbin did say he feed me, found me some popcorn and turned the tv on so I could watch the final of "so you think you can dance". Don't remember much of anything. I slept like a baby all night. Most important to us is that the doctor didn't call us back last night which means she didn't find anything terribly wrong with the MRI. We are waiting for her to call this morning with the results. I'll sure let you know the results as soon as I can. We are going back home tonight on a late flight. Everyone here is so helpful and are willing to go the extra mile just to make us comfortable. Thanks to all of you when are praying and who are so very supportive. This is why I keep fighting this terrible thing call cancer! Love to you all!!!

Phone call just came in from doctor......the MRI shows NO tumor activity in the brain!!!! Praise God!!!!!

Thanks again for all the love and support from you. I cherish it all!!!

August at CTCA

Here I am again in Zion at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. This month is the time I have a CT Scan. For those of you that don't know what they are I'll give a brief description.....I drink a contrast that shows up on the scan which shows the doctor the bone image. Since I have this done every 3 months they can really keep an eye on any changes. And as normal they take blood to see if there is any changes. This time there was a significant change in the cancer marker called CA 27 29. My doctor ordered me to have my infusion but NOT the hormone shot. So off to the infusion room I went for an hour to get my "juice". Yummy! Haha The doctor also order a PT Scan immediately. I had to fast for 6 hours then at 5:00 I headed in for the scan. This scan is the one that I hate the most. They inject me with a radioactive sugar then I lay still for 1hour. Yea right! Me lay still!!! I did it tho because there is no way I want it to take longer than normal. After the still time they put me on a hard table, wrap my arms in straps, put a big rubber band around my feet(so they don't move), place my head in a very small padded thing that goes up to my forehead. Good thing I am not claustrophobic!!! After that I'm ready for 20 minutes in this machine that takes a scan of my body. The sugar attaches to the cancer in my body. This tells the doctor if there is any chances or different growths. Tomorrow morning I will call to see when I can go talk to my doctor about this scan. She will let me know what the next plan is. She had mentioned changing me to a chemotherapy. As soon as I know I will blog again. I was so hungry after this so Robbin took me to a great steakhouse. I did eat to much but man was it ever good! It's been a long day and I'm headed to bed. Please keep me in your prayers. God has me wrapped in His precious arms I know! Robbin has been lots of support and I so appreciate all he does for me. He even took me shopping this afternoon. He is very patient. Thanks babe! Love to all!

July at The Cancer Treatment Center of America

Can you believe it's July!!!! Wow, I sound like my parents, when I was young they always said...time sure is going fast. Anyway, Robbin and I got to Milwaukee yesterday evening, checked in to the hotel, ate dinner and were so tired we went to bed. I think it was 9:00. Today's appointments started at 7:45 and I was done by 1:30. Everything went so smoothly and fast that I wondered if I had forgotten something. All blood test were close to what they were last month so that was good news, the treatment was an easy one and the hormone shot wasn't to painful. As usual, everyone at the hospital was so welcoming and had smiling faces. I just love this place. It's my second home. I know they are here to take care of me and they are doing a great job of that. I always look forward to coming here. When we got back to the hotel, the first thing I thought about was a good coffee drink so off to the outlet malls we went. There is a great coffee store there, as some of you know, so we did get a blended coffee. It was so yummy....better than ice cream. The weather here is perfect. The high was around 80 with a little breeze. A great day for a walk. We return home in the morning. This trip is a fast one. Thanks to Robbin for his support in accompanying me and for all his love. And thank you to all supporters who make this all worth doing. Love you all!!

June in Zion

Once again I have come to Zion for my treatments. This month Mariann Bledsoe flew out with me and was so much support, too. Yesterday we went to one of the huge malls and spent about 6 hours walking around some really nice stores. And yes we both bought something. How does a women get out of a mall without a purchase? Today, I checked in at the hospital at 8:15 and my day began. While talking to the doctor, I realized once again why I am flying out here every month!! She is such a warm women with lots of information for me in every aspect that you can imagine. I feel like this is my extended family out here and just want to continue the treatment I am receiving. So the doctor told me that all blood test where normal and things are going like she hoped. We walked over for lunch then to start my infusion and shot. Mariann and I walked 48 miles to day!! Great exercise but it poops you out!! After I was done we rode back to the hotel and dropped our coats off so we could go shopping across the street at the outlet mall. Can you believe it?.......shopping for a few more hours!!! But really I had a great time with Mariann and as always she is a friend that everyone wants. I got her!! Thanks Mariann for all you do for Robbin and I. We are packed and ready for a margarita and dinner. Then relaxing for the night. We return tomorrow afternoon. I feel so good and pray that it continues. Thanks to all for the thoughts and prayers! God has taken me in His arms again and healed me. Thank You, God!! Love ya all!!

Test Results

I got to the hospital early again today. I checked in and started the appointments at 8:30. My doctor came in and told me that all blood test were normal and that the pet scan showed no changes. Wow were those good words to hear!!! She is happy that the femara shot is working like it should...that is an estrogen and progesterone blocker. It stops anymore cancer cells from developing. The infusion of zometa is also working fine....that is the med that heals the bone where the cancer is. It really lessens the pain in the bone. That is why I can tell when it is time for another treatment. Sherry was so much help today. It is always good to have someone with me just to lean on. When we were done at the hospital we decided to come back to the hotel and rest a little then go shopping and I wanted to take Sherry to Famous Daves. Yummy!!! We are packed and ready to get back home. I really miss Robbin! He has been such an inspiration and lots of help in prayer from the home front. Good news once again!!! Keep up the prayers. They really do work!! God is good!!!

Springtime in Chicago

May 5, 2010......I'm back at CTCA for my treatment and the weather is much warmer than Colorado! Today I had to be at the hospital at 8am to start the process of having a pet scan. It really is an easy test the only bad thing is I can't eat 6 hours prior! What!! No morning coffee?!?! That was hard to do but certainly worth it. I finished around 10:30 so was able to eat some breakfast then we headed back to the hotel. This time my friend Sherry Winters came with me. I am so blessed to have such supportive friends. Thank You!! As you know the outlet mall is just across the street so we headed over there on foot. Really wasn't looking for anything in particular but still ended up with a few bags. Tonight I did take Sherry to the Brat Stop for of course a brat and beer. Yummy!! Tomorrow I will get to the hospital at 8am to get started on my day. Infusion is at 11am so hope to be finished around 12-12:30. I will get all blood results and pet scan results tomorrow also so look for another blog tomorrow night. I will let you know how those turned out. Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers. Love ya!!

April In Chicago

I can't believe it is time for another treatment. Wow time goes fast. I do hope you all are having fun in this fast paced world. This month my BFF Debbie Dilley came with me. I am so blessed with the friends that I have......so supportive. We left DIA at 7:45am Wednesday. The snow was coming down like it was the middle of winter. It's spring right? That afternoon I had a ct scan. After a short rest I took Debbie to the Brat Stop for a brat and beer. Oh and yes I did get some cheese orders filled. This morning we got up and ready for the day. My first appointment was 9am. By noon I was done. I saw my doctor before the infusion and was very pleased with the ct scan. She said everything look the same and the blood tests were all good too. An answer to a prayer!!! God has been so good to keep me feeling well and able to continue life without a lot of pain. We left the hospital, had lunch and went shopping. Tonight Debbie and I are in the room watching a movie and just relaxing. It's cold here but is expected to be warmer tomorrow. We want to try to go to the outlet mall and get some walking in. The exercise and of course the shopping is good for me!! We will be back home saturday. I want to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers again. And thank you Debbie for your friendship. It means the world to me!!

March in Chicago

Weather is beautiful, people are so nice, hospital staff is the best but the hockey team staying at the hotel is obnoxious!!! My day started at 10am, same routine, feels rushed but they get the job done. My blood tests for the cancer markers stayed the same...just what I wanted! The day went by very fast and very smoothly. This month Marti Hudson, a great supporter and good friend, came with me. She really entertained me and anybody else that was walking past her or sitting next to her. I laughed all day long...best medicine ever!! Thanks Marti!!! I had to take her to the outlet mall of course. You know, there just isn't enough time in a day. Tomorrow we are going to a farmers market on the beach front. Does anyone want to come get the trailer that we may fill with the goods? Thanks to all of you for the support that you give to me. Once again I want to give the glory to God. He continues to answer prays and is so good!

Home...Happy and Healthy Again

We got home in time to watch the Super Bowl. Woohoo Saints!! Anyway, I am so thankful for my trip. It went smooth and when I got home I felt like a new person. The only thing that hurts is the shot I got in the rear. Ouch!!! My supporters are the best in the world! I want to say thank you to all who sent thoughts and prayers. Once again the prayers are being answered.

Thank you God!

Day after Treatments.......

I don't remember when I have had a smoother day with treatments. We got to the hospital and checked in. All appointments where on time and we were out of there in record time! My blood tests showed that all was stable and I'm feeling good this morning. Last night was relaxing and warm. Robbin ordered dinner, I ate and went back to bed. The rest is what I needed...the day was very exhausting!! Today we hope to go walk around the outlet mall across the street. Convenient!! May go get some cheese and a brat for dinner. Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers. We return home tomorrow just before the super bowl. Go Saints!!!

February in Chicago

Can't believe it's time to go back for treatments. That month sure went by quick. I'm hurrying to have fun!!! This month should go very smooth. Friday I check in at 10am, get port access, see doctor, have lunch, start chemo, head back to hotel around 5pm. Pray that it goes as smoothly as that. We come back home Sunday just before the Super Bowl. I have been feeling so much better this week. I think the cold that I had been trying to get finally hit and antibiotics helped it go away. My strength is back and ready for anything. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. God is taking great care of me. What a gift I have received from Him!

Great News!!

The test results came back and the markers are still the same. No new affected areas!! WooHoo! It has and always will amaze me how God works and just keeps giving comfort and giving comfort. Thanks, God! Thanks to all of you who are such great supporters, too. We head home tomorrow at 12:30. I am feeling fine, still and will be ready to be home. Love to all!!

Day After Treatment

Had a very late night so sorry I couldn't get my blog on last night. My appointments went well, doctor said everything is looking fine, blood tests are good and cancer markers are still going down. Hugh blessings!! My doctor did want me to have a PET scan so the scheduler called me, said I could have it at 9pm. Are you kidding? That's what I asked her. I just wanted to come to the room and go to bed. All the appointments are very exhausting and it took its toll on me yesterday. So I quit eating after 4 and prepared for the scan. That wasn't too difficult because I got my peanut butter and jelly sandwich while I was have treatments. After we left the hospital we went to the Outlet Mall to get some things for Andreas. There is a Under Armour store that is our favorite. We then came to the hotel and I got some rest. Robbin wakes me up to take me back to the hospital at 8:30. The nurse starts me on the process for the scan. After they put the radioactive contrast in I have to lay very still for one hour. Perfect, I went to sleep...woke myself up snoring twice!! I then went into another room when the machine is, laid down and they start the xray. It only took 30 minutes and I was out looking for Robbin who was patiently waiting for me. We got the shuttle back to the hotel and by 11:45pm I was in bed. Robbin is amazing! He always makes sure I have what I need to be most comfortable. As I got up this morning, my body felt very rested and feeling fine. Today we are waiting for the doctor to call with the results of the scan. I'm very confident that everything is ok. The doctor wanted to do this because it has been 6 months since my last one. Thank you again to all of you who pray and sent thoughts this way. I am so blessed to have all of you in my life. Love you all!!

OMG!!! It is so cold here!!

Robbin and I arrived at the hotel around 6pm. These people out here are definitely Green Bay Packers fans. It looked like they were going to win but OT proved that to be wrong. To bad! ;( As we walked to the limo we were blasted with the wind that must have been at least -20!! The storm and cold weather that was in Colorado is sure here. It is supposed to snow here tonight. Said we would get about 1-2 inches. The hotel is very cozy and we're watching a movie. I will check in at the hospital at 10am then the day starts. I have lots of appointments and am looking forward to all of it. When we return to the hotel I will let you know how it went. We first have to go find me a heating pad. Seems I always forget it so this time I'm leaving it in the suitcase. If any of you could remind me to bring it, please do so. lol Have a warm evening!

January already

Hard to believe it is a new year. Robbin and I are headed to Chicago tomorrow. I have my treatment Monday and am soooo looking forward to it. This past month has not been my best month. Seems I have lots of pain and can't get rid of it. The pain is in my muscles so the heating pad is my best friend! I wonder if the weather has lots to do with it. The cold weather is in Chicago now so I can't even get away from it. I really need a break...anyone want to go to the Caribbean climate? Only dreaming!! ;o( Keep the prayers going and always know you are in my thoughts all the time. God is good and gives us strength to carry on. More later.......