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!