Back to the Blog--September 2014

Wow I can't believe it's been over a year since I've blogged. Anyway, I'm going to start again and hope to have monthly updates for you all. The past year has brought lots of changes in my life...Not only with my chemo but with my life in general. July 8th appointment went well....my brother Lynn went with me. My cancer markers were steady. I've tried two different chemo that work but not good enough for my doctor. The last treatment was a hormone inhibitor and man did it mess with my emotions. I had other very uncomfortably side effects. With all that the cancer markers didn't go down enough so my doctor stopped it and put me on an infusion. In the past the side effects of infusion verses taking a pill every day have shown to be better with infusions so I'm happy about going back to infusions. This chemo is Gemzar (link on right side). I started this August 12th after a pet scan. It showed several growth spots had changed. My brother Robb had gone with me to this August appointment. I made an appointment with the radiologist so we got to see the pet scan. Very interesting to see the cancer on the bone. A visual is so helpful for me. My infusions are every week for three weeks then one week off. I have set up my second and three infusions with Dr. Kemme here at home. I don't have to travel every week that way. I'm not sure I could do that and Dr. Kemme was very willing to help me out. Dr Neelum at CTCA will still be my primary oncologist. I will return to CTCA every month for blood test and every three months for ct scans and pt scans. So far this chemo seems to be helping. My pain level is much lower and I feel better. Dr Lesley Frasier at University of Colorado Health did emergency surgery to replace my port on August 21st....it was discovered that the chemo that was infused broke through the vain and into the chest cavity. This gave me pleurisy. Oh did that make me sick!! So the chemo that week was infused through my vain in the arm. Oh did that hurt badly!! Felt like it was on fire for thirty minutes!! After that I had to go to the ER because of red streaks up my arm. They discovered I had an infection where the chemo was infused. I'm on an antibiotic and feeling much better. The last infusion of chemo was August 26th. My brother Gary came in to Dr Kemme's to sit with me during that infusion. I ordered lunch and we had a nice time visiting. It sure helps to have someone there to help pass the time. I return to CTCA September 8th. Debbie Casseday will be going with me. There is a dress shop I can't wait to take her too. You know me.....I have to find some fun while I'm there!!! Thanks to my brothers this month for helping me travel and the time it takes to be with me. I'm so proud that you take that time to understand what I have to go through. God Bless You!!! As for the changes in my life......we sold our home at Pine Ridge in February and are renting a home for now and we lost Marian (Robbin's mom) in July. Seasons are changing and we look forward to the comforts of fall. May you all be blessed with health and happiness!! I'd love to hear from you! Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers!