November 2011

Wow....I've had a great "chemo vacation". I was able to get some strength back and travel to Punta Cana for the most beautiful wedding I've ever seen! After we got back, I rested for a couple of days then headed to CTCA for a PT scan and CT scan monday the 21st. Those scans are not the easiest tests on me but very important so I relax and do some one on one with God. Great time and it goes by much faster. This time my blood tests and scans were a little nerve racking. I really did feel like the results were going to be good. My body has been building strength and my energy levels are slowing coming back so I thought the cancer was not growing fast and my doctor may just keep me off of chemo. Well, some of the prayer was answered!! My cancer markers are up a little which the pet scan showed. The scan showed increased activity involving the manubrium (shoulder) which I can feel more than any other lesions and the sternum (Center chest bone). Also the left sacral wing (hip). My doctor does want me to go on tamoxifine for two months and she also gave me a shot of XGeva. I put a link to the side if you are interested in look at either of these treatments. Neither one is a chemotherapy!! I was very relieved and feel like I can start to recover even more from the chemo that knocked me down so bad. You just can't imagine the relief I feel......going on tamoxifine is a hugh down grade from chemo!! I was on this drug for five years, the first time I had breast cancer, 1999. My doctor is sure I won't have any side effects since I didn't in 1999. My plan is to feel well and do some traveling. I love beaches!! Who doesn't!! The serenity I get there is more healing than anything else I have tried. Sorry Robbin! $$$$ LOL Anyway, I so appreciate all the thoughts and prayers and know that I am very thankful for all of you!! Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

September 2011 at CTCA

I've been back to CTCA twice since I last updated you. Those two visits were the best I've ever had. 4 weeks ago I had my chemo and bone healer. At that time my cancer markers had dropped 26 points!!! Wow that was so good to hear!! Every time I get back from a treatment I think I just can't go through another treatment. I was sick for a few days. Seems like the more chemo I have the sicker I get! Still last for at least 4 days and 4 more days to get my strength back up. After hearing the good news of how my markers had dropped I forgot all about the times I get sick!! It's all worth it and really I know that it is just a long process when I can't get up and do the things that are important to me. It has taught me patients and has slowed me down a bit.

Last week I went back....the nurse hooked up my port and all I could think about was....they won't need to do this!!! I was so ready for a "chemo vacation"!! So she took blood to be sent off and then the wait was on. About 2 hours later I saw the doctor. Guess what my first question was? The answer was YES!!!! I was so happy and praised God for all the prayers I have been receiving and knew that He had answered them. The doctor did want to give me some more bone healer since I don't go back until November 18th!! At that time I will have a PT scan and a CT scan. The doctor will then tell me if I can continue on my "chemo vacation".....so keep those prayers coming in. God has been so good to me and I know that I have a purpose on this earth. Someday He will reveal it to me. So my life right know is healing myself from the chemo. I start an exercise class in a couple of weeks which will help my muscles gain some strength that the chemo has taken away and I have lost a lot of structure. I don't think I have ever looked forward to starting an exercise program! LOL

I will blog again after my appointment in November. As most of you know we are getting ready for a wedding in Punta Cuna, Dominican Republic. Patti and Rob will be married 11-11-11. There is lots of planning and we are looking forward to having a reception here in January also. Thank you for praying and keeping my spirits high. With that and Gods healing hands I am ready to face another year!! God Bless You All!!!

Chemo & Zomeda Treatment-August 11, 2011

I am so glad this treatment is over!! And it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Patti, Rob, Robbin and I headed to Chicago August 9th with some things on our agenda. Wednesday we spent all day in Chicago walking lots and doing some real important shopping. You'll have to ask Patti about that!! It was so much fun and we found a new pizza restaurant Pizano's. You must go if you are around one of his restaurants. The next day we got to the hospital for my treatments early in the morning. My blood tests all showed that the markers are still going down. The day we got back home, I wasn't doing to bad. I did find strength to get my emails. It sure didn't last long though. The next day I was flat on my back and ended up staying there until wednesday(today). My muscles and bones were so sore and I couldn't even do much without getting dizzy and having major hot flashing! Yuk! Each day gives me more strength and less pain. Once again I have to say that all the aches and pains I'm going through are worth it. As God is my healer, I find strength in Him everyday. This is a very difficult treatment to go through and without my faith, it couldn't be done!!! Robbin is the best!! He continues to do laundry, clean, cook, and support everything I do. Thank You Robbin!! I thank all of you also for the support, thoughts, and prayers.

CTCA July 18th-20th 2011

July in Chicago is very hot and muggy. When you get warnings for heat index values, you better not go outside. On July 20th Chicago had a record high of 100 with heat index values of 110!!! And we had to be there!?! It was very uncomfortable!! This trip I took one of my BFFs Sherry Winters. She was a great caregiver and kept me on track with my time schedules. We really enjoyed one evening when a friend (my travel agent from CTCA) brought over several quilts for us to looks at. She needed help deciding what should be done with them. Some were finished, some where tops only. It was so much fun to see these quilts that were very old and to hear her stories of where they came from and who made them. Thanks Sherry and Anne for all the fun!! Thank you to Sherry for all the support you always give me. Love you lots!!

This treatment time I had a CT and PT scan the day before my chemo treatment. Both scans went well as I fasted for both which isn't very easy for me to do. I love my coffee first thing in the morning! After finishing, we went back to the hotel and I took a 2.5 hour nap. I've never done that before so this must have wiped me out. The next day we headed to the hospital for a scheduled day. First off was a massage....that was good! Then was the appointment with the nurse, doctor, homeopathic doctor, and nutritionist. My doctor gave me the results from the CT and PT scans...both tests showed significate decrease in cancer activity throughout most regions of my body which means the chemo that I am on is working against my type of cancer. I will have two more treatments then will be off of chemo until the cancer activity starts to increase again. It could be 6 weeks or 6 months. We just don't know. This is the best news I have heard in a long time!!!! After all the suffering from the radiation, TPN drips, and 2 different chemos I have discovered that it is worth all of it!! As I look forward to the next two treatments I can only thank my God who is my healer!!! Without the prayers and support from you that God sees and hears, I just couldn't do all this. My next appointment is August 11th. At that time I will receive the chemo and zomada. My doctor wants this to be given every 3 months. After my final treatment I will return only for scans and blood tests. This will probably be every 2-3 months. That will be so nice! I can concentrate on some things around the house and with my beautiful husband who is always here for everything I need. Thank you Robbin!! With all the support and love from all of you, this is all worth doing. I still believe that I have a purpose on this earth and am always working to find out what that purpose is. Keep the prayers coming in and always know you all are always in our prayers. Thanks to all!!

June 26th & 27th At CTCA

Wow the 3 weeks go by fast! Seems I get to feeling really good and its time to go back for another does of chemo. This is why it is so important that I have quality of life. With the radiation and the first dose of chemo I had no quality. The talk I had with my doctor really helped me understand why I need to go through all that. When we visited with her Monday she told us that my blood cancer indicator markers have dropped significantly. That is why I had to go through all the difficult doses and pain. So as I prepare for my next visit I pray that the markers continue to drop. My next visit is Jul 18-20. This visit I will be having a CT scan and a PT scan. I'm excited to hear and see the results for myself. One thing about this hospital is that if you need to be more involved you can be. I have been in the doctors tiny office that reads these scans and it is amazing!!! He reads these all day long. Not sure I could do that. Anyway, the day after the scans I will see the doctor and she may possibly raise my dose of chemo and give me the zomada along with the chemo. That combination is what made me so sick the first time. So I am very leery of this. My doctor says that she will be able to tell if my body is ready for the higher dose so I have to trust that she will do what is necessary. I will be doing this until the first of October. Then I get a chemo vacation for up to 3 months. That will be so nice!! Today I am feeling like I was hit by a truck. I know it is all the poisons they put in me and that it will quickly go away. Usually on the 4th day after chemo I get really achy, blotted, weak, and just miserable. That lasts for 2 days. It will take about 2 more days after that to get back to normal. I try to push harder and some days it works some days it doesn't. I'm not one for sitting around....seems I have to be doing something productive. I thank all of you for all the prayers and thoughts that come my way. I feel every one of them and know that God is my healer! He is an awesome God!!! Love to all.

June 6, 2011 Trip To CTCA

I really need to get everyone updated with my treatments. As the third day came, after my first new chemo treatment, I got the sickest I have ever been. My muscles where sore and so weak I couldn't walk. Robbin had to get me food and water and do everything for me. Being the independent person that I am, this was so hard to do. But after 5 days, yes 5 days of not being able to walk, I got some energy to get up and do a few things. Robbin has been so good to do everything that needs done and he just keeps going. We made another trip on the 5th of June and I was determined to let the doctors know how much I had suffered with the dose of chemo they gave me. My oncology doctor felt bad but also told me that we have to find a dose that will work. This is the best chemo I can get and she wants me to stay on it. She did lower the dose by 20%. So I had another dose on the 6th but this time she did not give me the zometa. This drug gives me bad muscle aches and with the combination, I'm sure that's why I couldn't walk. I have felt better this time and only have a few muscle aches and weakness. My appetite is not good but I am thinking it will get better soon too. My hope is that I can take this chemo every three weeks with the zometa ever 6-9 weeks. The doctor wants this schedule for 6 months. Then I can have a chemo vacation!! That sounds good!! Just in time for Patti and Rob's wedding in the Dominican Republic. Thanks once again for all the prayers and support!

May 2011 At CTCA

This trip was full of anxiety because 6 weeks ago I started the chemo pill Xeloda again. I had to stop it while on radiation because my immune system was so low that I got thrush in my throat. After the radiation and after I got healed up, I started the chemo pill Xeloda again. The first week wasn't bad but the second week I found myself having all the side effects and became sick from it. The worst was hand and foot syndrome that made my fingertips raw! I was thinking it was time to invest in the band-aid company! My feet are healed and most of my hands or fingers are healed. I only have two open wounds! After being off of that pill for 3 weeks I went to see my doctor and she was ready to put me on a new chemo that goes through my port. The new drug is called Abraxane. I posted a link to the right that explains what this drug is. This afternoon I had my infusion of Zomada, benedril, another mix for nausea and the new chemo Abraxane. I am not having any side effects. The only thing at this time is exhaustion. This new chemo is exciting for me because it is infused. Much less harm to the liver and kidneys. I may have some fatigue and muscle ackes but that is easy to get through. One other thing that has changed is that this has to happen every 3 weeks! Yikes!! I need to prepare mentally for travel every three weeks and one way of doing that is to have hope and pray!! I fly in one day, have treatment the next day and fly home the same day. Time will tell. Please continue to pray. Thank you so much for the support! Love to all!!

Back Home - April 2nd

We got back home the 31st around 9pm and the bed was so comfy!!!! The next morning Robbin got up at 3:30 to get his mom to the hospital for her surgery. Needless to say he was exhausted!! Her surgery went well and was very short. The doctor let her come home that afternoon so Robbin brought her to our home so she could recover here. I'm telling you, I think Robbin is a saint!! I just don't know how he is doing all this. God is certainly on his side!!

I had a great report on Thursday from my radiologist and gastro doctors. They both told me I was healing fast and that I should be back to myself soon. The only reason to go back is to receive my Zometa. This is the bone healer med that goes through the port. My doctor told me to have that every 6 weeks now. Yeah!!! No more once a month trips!! I am still having problems with my port tho. If I can wait until then they will do a dye study to see if there is a leakage. They did an ultra sound and found no blockages so they are sure the pain is coming from the leakage. I've had this port for almost 4 years. They say this is a long time....most need replaced in 2-3 years. At this point I am still taking it easy and healing from all the radiation and zometa. My oncology doctor has started me on a chemo pill Xeloda that I will take 3 in the morning and 3 in the evening for one week, off a week and then the same for a week. I will do this for as long as my body will tolerate them. There are a few side effects but I'm praying they won't effect me. When we arrived at home I was having bad muscle cramps from the Zometa. These lasted the entire day and I slept most of that day. Today I'm feeling much better but still don't have much energy. So I'm resting again. The weather is making me want to get outside and water the flowers coming up. 75-80 today!! Maybe a chair and a good book!!??!!

We have met some great friends in Kenosha and always plan some kind of fun with them while we are there. I have a family away from home! God puts people in your lives for a reason and this one is sure evident!!!! Thanks to my Kenosha family!!

Please keep Robbin and Marian in your prayers as she is healing and Robbin keeps his patients!!!

Appointments after Radiation - March 30, 2011

Wow, what a long month!!!!! Maybe I will start off by telling you about the last few weeks. When I got home from my radiation treatments, I knew there was going to be a few weeks of recovery. The one thing that I really had a problem with was that I couldn't talk. What? No voice???!!! Yes, I know what you men are thinking! HAHAHA Robbin didn't have to listen to me. Oh how quite it was for him!! The first week was hard because I had to get use to carrying a bag around every night for 12 hours. Yes, I slept with it!!! I got to the point where I slept better because of the noise it made. Weird but it gave me a sense of comfort. The second week was the hardest because of the malfunction in the pump which meant I didn't get the nutrition I need for the night. That morning my body felt like it was melting down. Robbin knew he better start getting something done fast. After several phone calls he had me hooked back up to the nutrition drip and had saline solution on the way. By noon or so I was beginning to feel like a person again but it really pushed me back as far as my recovery. My home health nurse came by to check on things and found me in a very weak and dehydrated state. Robbin knew that was happening and had me on the saline solution before the end of the day. From that point on all I could do was rest and take care of the radiation sight. I was not able to swallow anything yet. Seems all I did was rest, put silvandine on my skin and swallow medications. That is how many days went. It was not until the last week in March that I decide it was time to start eating something beside broth. As most of you know Robbin is a great cook and was trying everything he could to see if I could eat. Great support!!! I would try and ouch!!!!! So a couple days later I would try again. It wasn't until March 22nd that I could really eat a meal. A bite of chicken and a spoonful of mashed potatoes. Of course I tried chocolate. No it didn't go down smoothly. So I really am trying to eat more of a bland diet because my stomach is so sensitive to any spices.

March 29th Robbin and I returned to CTCA to see all my doctors. Today was my appointment with the oncologist. One thing I discovered while on the nutrition drip was that my port was painful. So I had an ultra sound done today and there is no blockage. That was good news but I'm still confused as to why it hurts. So tomorrow I will have my other doctors look at it. I will see my radiologist and gastro doctors. They want to make sure I am healing right and my blood levels are where they should be. I feel like that will be a good report also. I really do feel good just run out of energy fast. My body is still healing and as long as I listen to it and get lots of rest I will be back to normal or my normal soon.

I want to thank everyone again for all the thoughts and prayers. You are my reason for high spirits and my need to keep going!!! God has been my great healer and is always giving me strength. I feel Him close all the time!! God Bless You!!

We have to return quickly because Marian, Robbin's mom, fell and will have surgery friday. Please pray that she has a fast recovery.

Our Last Night February 28th

Seems like this last week was the longest week I've had. There has been lots of events going on. My journey here is coming to an end and I am so thankful for that. The radiation has been very hard on me but I met with my doctor this morning and he tells me that the treatments did just what he wanted them to do. This has been so worth our time and effort and pain. My side effects haven't been to bad. My skin where the radiation went in is red and feels like a sunburn, the area where my port is has several sores around it because I'm allergic to tape! Since I have been on chemotherapy, I'm not healing as well so this will take awhile to heal. I return for follow ups March 30 and I will also have my infusion of zomada. I didn't get that this trip because of my reaction to radiation. My doctor felt I didn't need to go through anything else at this time. She has also taken me off of the chemotherapy pill until I can start eating again. This should happen in about 2 weeks. Since I am not eating yet, I have an IV drip every night that gives me the nutrition I need. As soon as my throat heals and I start eating I can wein off of the IV. At 3pm everyday I have the antibiotic IV drip. Patti has been so good to fix my bag of nutrients every night. There are 2 different additives to mix then it gets hooked up to me. Robbin will continue this when we get home. I couldn't do this without them!!! I received a certificate for completing 14 days of radiation and had to share it with you.

Robbin, Patti and I finished packing tonight so we are ready to go for my last radiation in the morning then head to the airport. We will arrive in our driveway around 4:00 tomorrow. YEA!! It's been a long haul and I know that God has taken care of me and with all the thoughts and prayers from my supporters, I got through it!!!

We are staying at the Candlewood Suites with Molly and the manager loves her. She brought a tee shirt today and asked if we could take a picture of her with the tee shirt on. They want to use it in the corporate advertising brochure. LOL The picture is on the right.

We have met some wonderful new friends out here that have taken us into their home, took Robbin out for an evening, stayed in contact with us, and always offered to help in any way. We want to thank them for their friendship!! It means the world to us!! We also want to thank all of the supporters back home who never give up on prayers and are there to help in any way also. God blesses us each day with you!! Thank You!!!

Saturday Night And Nothing To Do

Or maybe I should say, don't want to go out with my new backpack full of nutrients. Every night around 6:00 I have Patti or Robbin hook me up to the IV drip. It will stay hooked up for 12 hours. The doctor started me on this because I am not able to eat or drink. I can't even take my pills by mouth. What I have discovered is that I sure took a lot for granted. When I have to depend on a bag of nutrients and someone to help mix it and hook it up, it brings me to reality!! This really is happening to me! I do and always will feel that God is my healer and I know He is working overtime on me this time. I have been through so much this trip and it has taken a toll on my body. Today is the first day I feel like I am beginning to heal. My throat is healing, my skin is feeling a little better and I'm getting some strength back. My voice is still cracky and if I talk to much my throat hurts more. I so badly want to call my grandkids!! I miss them so much!!! Robbin, Patti and I are packing tomorrow. We had to ship some of our things. My last radiation is Tuesday at 8:40 then straight to the airport. We will be home around 3:00. I can't wait! Our friends that are watching the home and dogs have been such a blessing in our lives. We don't even think about or worry about things there. Our thoughts are all here while I go through all the doctor appointments, blood tests and radiation treatments. So thank you Joe and Andres!! I hope our dogs will still know us when we get there. We left February 7 and will get home March 1st. 29 days!!!! Ok, maybe I shouldn't have counted the days. Now I'm wondering why I didn't get more sewing done. I did get some things done that I really wanted to finish. Once again, I want to thank everyone for all the thoughts, prayers, gifts, blog comments, cards and phone calls. All this helped me keep my spirits high. Love to all.

February 24th and Back to the Hotel

It feels so good to sleep in my own bed. Well, my 2nd home bed. Yesterday I had number 10 radiation and then was discharged with the agreement that I would have a nutrient bag dripping for 12 hours every night. I had another today so that leaves 3. YEA!!! As fas as we know, it looks like we will come home Wednesday 2nd. I'm packing and shipping some things tomorrow and will finish over the weekend. Wow I brought lots!! My days are so full of medications and lots of rest. Mornings are radiation treatments then afternoons are an antibiotic drip that takes an hour then 6pm I start the nutrient drip for 12 hours. This will be my schedule for the next, at least, 2 weeks. In the nutrient drip we put multi vitamins & nexium. I am not able to take any pills by mouth so fortunately they can be added to the drip. Robbin and Patti got a lesson last night on how to "hook me up" to the drip bag. They will be my life line for the next few weeks. Thanks to them for all the work, mentally and physically, that they have gone through while here. Patti has decided to stay until we go home. I really appreciate that because Robbin needs a brake!!! She can help us get packed and carry luggage. Thanks to everyone who has sent books, gourmet breads, fabric, goodie bags, starbucks card, get well cards, and prayers and thoughts!! I'm getting through this because I have so many supporters and God is my healer.

February 23rd and Still in Hospital

As I woke up this morning, I felt like "It's time to get out of here"!!! All is going well as the doctors, nurses and entire team are taking great care of me. The good part is I'm not being stuck every time someone comes in. With the port they can excess whenever they need and believe me they are on top of things. I have a team of doctors and nurses which work together to insure I get the most out of my treatments and care. When I was brought into the hospital, I was not very happy, as you can imagine. I was in pain that I never want to feel again. The radiation has burned the inside of my throat in two different areas. Because I am who I am, I ate what I wanted..chocolate, popcorn etc. Robbin was very sure I was going eat a square meal too. Anyway, my burned throat got infected! With all the up to date medications that are available, I had relief in one day!!! But this has put me two day behind on my radiation and I will finish those before I come home. Today I will start them again, which puts me at a finish date of March 1st. As far as I can tell, I will be home around the 3rd of March.

Day 11 of Radiation-Monday 21st

Today is February 21st. Happy Birthday Andreas and Merigrace!!!!!

This was a tough weekend for Gwyn. The 10 doses of Radiation to date has burned the trachea and esophagus to the point where she was unable to swallow, not even water. The prescriptions to help deaden the pain had little affect. We arrived at the hospital this morning and after an evaluation by the doctor, she was admitted. She was becoming dehydrated so she has been on IV fluids ever since. The new drug (Xeloda) had to be stopped as well because it has to be taken in pill form.
Radiation is now on hold until the medical staff can bring the pain under control. The most important thing right now is to keep her comfortable and push fluids. The doctors are also treating her for a secondary infection, which is common when patients receive treatments that involve the throat. They are not overly concerned with this because it is easily treated with IV medication. For me, it is tuff to watch her suffer and not be able to do much for her. All I can do is ask for guidance and I know He will provide!!

Patti and Rob flew in to Milwaukee today and are on their way to the hospital. I know Patti has been anxious to see her mom and to be here to help pack things up to come home. At this point I don't know when that will be. We will just wait and see how she responds to the IV overnight. I know she wants to come home and all of us want her to be home, but not until she is finished with what the physicians have prescribed.

Gwyn and I would like to say thank you for all the well wishes and prayers!! Please continue to send them our way. And Rena thanks for the goodies for Molly and I!!

YOUR DESIGNATED BLOGGER,
ROBBIN

Day 9 of Radiation

Getting closer to being finish with this radiation stuff. Only 5 more treatments and Robbin & I will be flying home. I'm still feeling lots of pain in the throat, the pain in my bones is gone and all I can think about is real food!! It isn't fun being on a liquid diet but I will do what it takes to be pretty much free from pain. We now have the weekend off and not much is planned. I may be able to sew all day. Wow that would be nice. Robbin has been so patient with all of this. He is at my side for whatever life gives us. I'm very fortunate that I have him!

We have a friend, Rena, who hooked us up with some harley friends, Sandy & Jeff, Margarita & Mike, that live close to where we are staying. Tonight Robbin and I drove to Sandy & Jeff's house for a home cooked dinner that was sooooo good!!! These friends are people that we all need as friends!! They invite us into their home, feed us, send a bunch of home made food with us, and gave us their cell numbers. I'm so amazed at how they are so willing to help us! We didn't know them!! We are now life long friends and can't wait for them to come to colorado to stay with us!! We want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts and tell them that they give us hope!!! And for Rena, you are amazing also!! You gave us comfort in finding someone here that we could call if we need anything. Thank you for that!! We are so fortunate to have friends like all of you!!

Have a wonderful weekend and again Thank You!!!

Day 8 of Radiation

YEA!!!! I'm halfway through!!! The radiation is burning my throat so I'm on a liquid diet. And of course I'm craving pizza from Gino's! Robbin will have to take me the next time we are here. The doctor says that my throat will get worse so he did give me a prescription for carafate. I really really hope it works. I'm very uncomfortably and it's hard to talk. I'm sure Robbin doesn't mind me being quite. haha Every time they give me radiation they are taking some kind of xray. This is done so that the radiation is still pinpoint. Very precise!!! I know, once again, I am in the right place.

The weather here has turned very warm. A lot of the snow is melted and the ponds are full. I'm wondering where the rest of the water will go? The ground is so saturated and the rivers are full. There are several lakes around and the residents are concerned about flooding.

Molly is the best dog. Today I took my sewing machine to be fixed. We decided to take her along. She acted like she's done this several times....just knew what to do. I found a quilt shop that repairs sewing machines so Robbin took me there. It took the guy about 5 minutes to fix it and I was on my way. Well, ok Robbin was on his way to the car while I looked around the shop. It was a big shop with lots of fabric and I hope to get back soon. Don't tell my quilting friends that I may buy some fabric...I would loss our bet.

Hope you all are happy and healthy. Thanks for the blog comments. Travel safe Bryan and Luke. I'll be praying for your safe return. Love to all!!

Day 5 of Radiation

Happy Valentines Day!!! And Happy Birthday to my valentine Robbin!!

I had a couple of days off of the radiation treatments and chemo pill. This morning was my 5th treatment out of 14 so we're just about half done. I am counting the days thats for sure. Each treatment is getting easier and much shorter than the first few. This weekend was just nice and quite and relaxing. We went out to dinner for Robbin's birthday but I couldn't stay out to late. My energy is zapped!! Robbin and I have decided that he will stay with me the entire time that I'm here. I don't feel comfortable being here alone. So nice of him to stay that long.

Tonight Robbin and I are cooking a steak and potatoes in the room. Found some good looking filet wrapped with bacon. Yummy!!! Hope you all have a fun evening with your special love!!

I did start a sewing project and got two blankets made for Desirae and Trinity that was suppose to be done for Christmas but couldn't get the right fabric. So we will be mailing them tomorrow. I miss the grandkids so much!!!!!! We always get them on tuesdays and it seems like weeks since I've seen them. ;( My sewing machine quit so I'm searching frantically for someone the repair it. I have lots of things to get done while I'm here and have time to do them.

Molly is getting more spoiled than ever. The girls that work here will take her in the office while we are gone. She loves them.

Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers. I feel them!!! God is an awesome healing God!

Day 3 of Radiation

All is still going well. My radiation today was so much easier. It took about 30 minutes today because of more xrays. Tomorrow and after I should be in and out within 20 minutes. After my treatment I saw the doctor and he was happy about how things are going so far. Last night was my first dose of chemotherapy and I have not had any reaction to it. Tonight was my third dose and I really thought there should be some symptoms or something. I'm really hoping and praying that this will be the normal reaction for me. NOTHING!!! Robbin and I have been to the grocery store everyday. It's pretty funny that we need so many little things, salt, pepper, flour, sugar, coffee creamer, etc. I do believe we don't have to go tomorrow. Meals have been just like home, well kind of. We just don't have as big a kitchen and cupboards aren't stocked like home. Robbin is still a good cook and is making sure I have some good meals. I'm not sure I want him to go home. That means I would have to do all the cooking, laundry and driving. Really, he has been so very helpful and I will miss him. He is planning on coming back the last week I am here. That will be nice. This afternoon I was able to start binding on a project that is the most beautiful quilt I've made. I'll be hand sewing on it probably until I go home. Hopefully it will be done by then. Good night all and hope your day tomorrow is good. I know mine will be. God is good!!

Day 2 of Radiation

Today went much better. I was only in my mask for 30 minutes and it will get better from now on.....20 minute sessions. The picture I added today is the actual mask that they put on me. I'm thinking it will be my best friend here. Any ideas of what to name it?? The weather is so cold here again today that they advised people to stay in. Wind chill factor was -12!!!! My doctor is starting me on Xeloda tonight. I'm a little nervous because it could make me sick. I really don't have time to be sick. My box from home came today and it is my sewing projects. I found a table in the office that I talked them out of. After my machine gets warm I'll be able to sew. I'm missing my home already so I really need to focus on the reason I'm here. I so appreciate all the comments that you have sent. Keep it up! Our first home cooked meal is a hamburger. Robbin is my cook so I don't have anything to worry about there. Take care and look for more later. Love ya all!!

Radiation Treatments Begin February 8, 2011

Robbin and I arrived yesterday evening and wow it was cold!!! Last week, the day we went back home, it started snowing and it snowed 27"! That put the area on National Guard alert. There is 10' drifts and will take a long time for it to melt.

It didn't take long for us to get unpacked and get comfortable. This time I brought my dog Molly. She was nervous on the plane but settled down once we went to bed. She is lots of comfort for me since she is such a mama's girls and always on my lap.

Today my appointment started at 9:45....saw the oncologist, then radiology for my first treatment. The oncologist has changed my treatment because the cancer is not responding to the faslodex treatment and are actively growing again. She has put me on xeloda which is a chemotherapy drug. I take one everyday while I'm here then will change the dose before returning home. There will be a few side effects from this...sick to my stomach for a few days, fatigue and my hands and feet can get a terrible rash and then start peeling. Then off to radiation...I included some pictures of the radiation machine because it is totally amazing! The mask they put over my face keeps me from moving even a millimeter. They took several x-rays today so I was under that mask for an hour or so!!! Once a week that will be happening. Seems they are very thorough. After the x-rays the doctor checks them and the radiation begins. I didn't feel a thing! Some of the side effects are sore throat, hair loss where the radiation goes through my hair, cough, and fatigue. I certainly feel fatigued tonight!! Most of that is from the travel yesterday and then the long day I had today.

We rented a car this time and are staying in a different hotel.....one that has a kitchenette so we can cook some meals. We got some groceries and have our new little studio apartment. I'll be very comfortable here. Before we left I had a box shipped out here with some sewing projects so I can have something to do during the days. I'll be taking pics so will put a few on later. Hope everyone is warm and staying healthy.

Love to all!!

January 2011 At CTCA

I certainly hope that your new year is going well and you have good health throughout the year. Robbin and I arrived January 30th and returned home February 1st. This trip was a very productive trip. My appointments began at 7:30am and we got back to the hotel around 8:00pm. It was a very long day. My doctor wanted me to see a radiologist to see if it is possible that radiation, on some of the bones that are involved with cancer, would relieve some of the pain that I have been having. I have to say this is the worst month I have had. My first appointment was an MRI of my neck. The pain is in the neck and goes up to my scalp. The radiologist, Dr Chang, also called for another MRI of my brain. He wanted to make sure that there is no tumors on the brain and there was none. Thank God!! He did say that two vertebras were totally involved and impinging on the spinal cord. The radiation will slow the growth of the cancer cells in the bone structure causing the bone to shrink and taking the pressure off the spinal cord. My treatments will start the 8th of February and finish the 25th of February. This means I will be staying in Zion for 3 weeks! I am ready to do this so that I have relief for some of the pain. I also am changing from the faslodex shots to a chemo pill called xeloda. The cancer cells are becoming resistant to the faslodex so it's time to change to a true chemo pill. The side effects are very minimal. I will not loss my hair! Yea!! Sooooo.....I will continue to blog when I start my radiation treatments. I know that a lot of you want to keep up with my treatments and I will make sure I do that. Without your support I can't do this so keep up the good work, friends and family!! Robbin and I fly out monday and will get settled in....grocery shopping, car rental, etc. He will be staying with me for a week. I can't thank him enough for all the support and help! Also, I will be taking my dog Molly and my sewing machine and projects. You know me, I can't sit still and will need something to do so why not do my favorite thing, sewing?! That's all for know....look for more as the days go by! Thank you for all the prayers!! God is the great healer!