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!

August 2013 At CTCA

First I need to let you know I just haven't felt well enough to keep up with my blog. I really need you to understand what has gone on in the last few months so you can continue to support my fight! You are a main reason why I'm in this fight! I thank you from the bottom of my heart!! God Bless You All! The last time I blogged I was still taking Afinitor chemo and that is what has made me so sick. When I visited my doctor in July I told her I had enough of this drug. My quality of life just wasn't there and my poor body couldn't take anymore abuse. We talked about what to do next. There are still several options which I am grateful for. One thing I have discovered through all this is that if I take a chemo pill every night instead of an infusion in my port I have more side affects. So I've told her that I would rather stay with the infusions. This also means more travel. I really don't mind that at all. So after much discussion the doctor chose Ixempra for my chemo treatment this time. I put a link to the side if you want to explore. My first infusion was Wednesday July 10th. I first had a pt scan to have something to compare to in 3 months. This showed several areas in the bone that had grown which tells the doctor that the Afinitor didn't do as well as she wanted. Dang and all the sick days I spent praying that it would work! Not that I prayed for nothing but that I spent 6 months taking this with severe side effects without good results! After the 6 hour infusion we finally got back to the hotel only to pack and get ready to come home the next morning. Robbin had gone with me this time and I'm glad he did. I had to be carried to the room because the drugs they give me before chemo just knock me out for about 4 hours. When we arrived home the next day all I wanted to do was sleep. I'm getting really good at listening to my body and doing what I need to get through the day. I've even learned to tell people no. Don't like that but I do it. Friday I started feeling so weak and had so much pain. I ended up going to the ER for some fluid, knew I was dehydrated, which made me feel a little better. But by Sunday Robbin was calling the ambulance because the pain was more than I could bare. I received pain meds that put me into a state of mind I've never been before. Didn't like it!!! I saw flying toothpicks, dolls dancing on the wall, even saw a concert behind my bed. Don't know who the band was. Must have been good....Lynn and Debbie were there! I can laugh about it know but at the time it was very scary. I guess I was even telling my family stories so if you want a good laugh just ask them. I have and its hilarious. Robbin was able to bring my dog Molly to the hospital Thursday-Sunday. She was great company and also healing for me! Monday morning the doctors at the hospital discovery I had a very low white blood count and a very high fever. The white cells were 0.30, normal for me is around 11.0 and the fever was 100.8. I was put in isolation for 3 days. One thing that this new chemo drug does is drop my white cells dramatically and fast. The doctors at the hospital don't know that so they treated me for high fever thinking I had an infection somewhere. After ever infusion of Ixempra 24 hours later I get a shot of Neupragen. This helps to build the white cells up. For the next few days I received so many drugs just to make me comfortable that by day 8 I had to go through withdrawals just to get back to me being in control not the drugs. This is the worst thing I have ever gone trough! Robbin was in constant contact with my doctors at CTCA. Not much more for anyone to do then to just get me through another day. By Monday I was able to go home and start recovering only to return for another treatment July 31st. This appointment was a very uplifting appointment. All I had gone through had been for the good!! My cancer markers had dropped!! There are three that we watch....7/10/13 CEA 13.4 to 6.9 CA-15.3 781 to 305 CA-27.29 678.4 to 237.3. I couldn't believe my eyes!!! Dropped more than half in one month!! And of course my doctor was so happy. We did the happy dance!! Rob and Patti had gone with me so we had a celebration moment too!! I received my second dose of ix.......that afternoon. And oh yes we were able to somehow squeeze in a couple hours of shopping before the treatment. If you need to know how to arrange the time to shop just call me. I'm becoming an expert! Just have to have some fun while we're there! After returning home I knew I would have to take it easy for at least 7 days. The pain from this treatment is very uncomfortable so it's very important that I stay on top of my pain. With that and rest I'm now starting to gain strength to return for a third treatment. The doctor says I will have 6 treatments with another pt scan after 3 months. When I started this treatment I wasn't given the full dose. My doctor knows me too well to do that to me. The second dose was less than the first. If I respond like she wants I will stay on the current dose. My birthday was July 25th so my family brought dinner over and we celebrated. After gifts Patti wanted to clip my hair. Yep, I'm bald again! I really don't care because this is one thing that will grow back and I do have 2 wigs that are lots of fun to wear. I also love wearing hats! With my life at the stage it's at I can only continue to tell you that your support means everything to me. It gives me encouragement, strength, and a sense of accomplishment. Thank you to all that have helped me in so many ways. I can't do this without YOU! Love to all!

CTCA in June 2013

Fast trip this time. Robbin and I left Sunday morning and got back Monday night. Seems we weren't even gone. When we got to the hotel the first thing we had to do was go eat cheese curds and a cheesehead dream hamburger. Yummy! We then walked over to the outlet mall. Didn't do much shopping. We just wanted to get some exercise. After going to bed early we arrived at CTCA at 6:20am. I had a blood draw, we ate breakfast then met with Dr. Neelam and the rest of the team. The blood tests showed mild increase in the cancer growth. The chemo Afinitor is working and the doctor was happy with that. She still wants me to be on the highest dose so I am slowly introducing that in. I take 7.5mg and every 3 days take a 10mg. After two weeks of this I will be on 10mg every night. I took 10mg Monday night and didn't have much of a side effect. The main effects are fatigue and pain. My doctor says it will even out after my body gets use to it. Since my appt in May I have had a very difficult time getting through a larger dose of chemo. My biggest complaint is fatigue. The pain is controllable. I just get so tired of seating around all the time. My concentration levels are effected so there isn't much I can do. I'm not one that likes to sit around. It depresses me so I work hard at changing my attitude to more positive thoughts. I'm losing weight and my doctor doesn't like that so I've added a protein drink and changed to a high protein diet. I really do feel better. Another side effect is restless leg. If you have ever experienced this you know how difficult it is to get through it. Most annoying thing ever!! My homeopathic doctor has increased the magnesium dose and this is helping so much. I am to call the care manager in a week and report the progress of the chemo pill. If all goes well I don't have to go back until August 1st. I am feeling very blessed once again that God is in control of all this! He has given me the wisdom to do what is right for my body and is showing me there is still hope. Wendy and Patti and their families have been coming in to help with everyday things. This is a huge relieve for Robbin since he is having to do everything inside the house and outside. He loves keeping busy but will burn out soon if we don't have help. So I thank my girls and their families for all they do. And I thank Robbin for being the best caregiver! He's amazing me with everything he accomplishes and never gives up! God Bless all of you!

April 2013 at CTCA

It's been three months since I went to see my team of doctors. Those months went so fast! Some of my supporters Robbin, Wendy, and Patti went with me this time. Much needed time together to get caught up and have lots of laughs. This visit was a more detailed appt. It started out Sunday with a blood draw then at 6am Monday with a PT scan followed by a MRI of the brain. I was done by 8:45. I love those early appts. There's time for a fun filled day after. We went to a breakfast house for one of the biggest plates filled with eggs, hash browns, sausage, and gyros I have ever seen!! Not my plate but Robbins. He couldn't even eat it all! We went back to the hotel to change clothes then to the outlet mall. Oh boy, my favorite place! After shopping for about 5 hours we had lunch and a rest then back to shopping. Can you believe Robbin hung with us the whole time? He was very patient and surprised us all. No complaining and didn't even buy anything for himself. "I don't need anything" he says. Lol. The next day at 9am was the doctors appts. I was so anxious to hear all the results. Once again my doctor spent about 30 minutes with us and everyone got all their questions answered. The scan reports where good. They showed no new activity! Two areas where concentrated on and those showed significant growth. The blood tests did show a significant increase also. This was a concern for the doctor because they had gone up at least 100 points on the cancer markers. With this there is three options...higher dose of Afinitor, or two different kinds of chemo drug infused. I choose to increase the dose of Afinitor. You see this doctor has taught me to exhaust all drugs that I can. I'm now taking 5mg so she wants to increase it to 7.5 then go to 10 the highest dose. When I first started this drug I was taking 10 and my body could not tolerate it. I was so sick for about 3 months. I'm praying that by increasing the dose slowly I can do it. She wants to see me in 4-6 weeks so I will be returning June 3rd. By then I will know if I can stay on this drug or have to go to a chemo infusion. I also pray that I don't get sick with the dose increases. If I don't this will be a drug I can stay on for the rest of my life. My quality of life has decreased and I'm adjusting to that. I can't do as much as I use to, fatigue is my main complaint. But that is something that is ok with me because of the benefits. If I have to start on a chemo drug there will be lots of changes.....staying in Chicago for 6 weeks, home for 3 weeks then back for another 6weeks. Because of the team of doctors I have there I will do what it takes. They have saved my life and all my trust is in them and of course The Lord! After all the appts Tuesday you can guess what we did. Yep...shopping! This time Robbin stayed at the hotel and us girls finished up. We picked up Robbin and went to a movie that night, packed and came home early the next day. As you can imagine I was exhausted but would not give up a moment of the time spent with my family. The next day the xgeva shot hit me. I had muscle aches so bad that I stayed in bed all day. I'm hoping to get up and around today. Still achy but I'm thinking that getting around will help push the meds through my body. I want to tell Wendy and Patti thank you so much for going with us, taking care of me when I needed it and of course for all the laughs and fun. And thanks to Robbin for making this a safe trip, for being so patient with all his girls and making us laugh so hard! It was a great trip! Also thanks so much to Merikay for taking care of our dogs. The friend staying in the house fell on the deck and broke her hand. Ended up having surgery the next day! Poor thing!! I also want to thank all of you reading this blog for the support you give me! I will never forget what you have done and I ask God to bless each of you! All my love, Gwyn You have to laugh through life!!!!

January 2013 Trip to CTCA

Burrrrrrr it's January in Chicago and it rained, snowed and the wind chill was below 0!! If you haven't experienced all of this believe me you don't want to!! Very cold and it sticks to your bones! It didn't keep us from going shopping tho! My friend Marti came with me this time for support and I so appreciate her taking her time to help me! God bless you girlfriend!!! We arrived on Tuesday 29th. Wednesday morning at 6:30 we were headed to the hospital for my PT scan. No eating and only unflavored water after midnight. I finished at 9:00am so the cafeteria was next on the schedule. After that I had a blood draw through my port. The results were posted the next day on my CTCA portal. I had a doctors appointment at 8:45 on Thursday. This trip was a calm trip as I knew that the chemo I was on was working to decrease the cancer on and in the bone. I just needed to hear that from my doctor. As I waited for her to come in the room, that calm was still with me. I've learned to listen to the spirit in me for it is my healer, God! Once again the doctor gave me the report I expected! All cancer is decreasing! The scan report states that all structures including the base of the skull, spine, ribs, sternum, bilateral shoulders, humerus, pelvis femurs have decreased in metabolic activity! The L5 vertebral body has decreased metabolic activity with maximum SUV of 7.9 versus 12.7 on the prior! All others have decreased in metabolic activity. A second lesion in the left humeral head which previously had maximum SUV of 8.3 today has a 3.1! There, that's start from the horses mouth for all you that know medical terms! For those that don't it says there is a great decrease of the cancer growth. All the other blood results where good also. So all in all this trip has been my favorite. 3 months ago when I started on this chemo I didn't think I would be able to stay on it. It was so hard on my stomach, severe cramping for 4 hours everyday for 2 months, mouth sores, fatigue, and no appetite. When I returned for a checkup in November I just wanted to quit taking the chemo. Oh I'm so glad I toughed it out. My doctor also said I don't have to come back for 3 months!!! That is such great news all the way! I want to thank all of you for keeping me in yours prayers! You're the best! God bless you all! There is no Dought in my mind of His Grace!! I am very Proud of You and how you never question your Faith!! Love You Babe!! Robbin

November 30, 2012 CTCA

Another trip to CTCA with amazing results! I was very nervous about coming to see my doctor because of the side effects I am having. For some reason I just didn't have the confidence that I usually have. My health was failing and the cancer was more painful. How can I feel like my fight was causing the cancer the decrease? While waiting for the doctor to come in, my heart became warm and comforted. I knew exactly Who it was. I've always believed that God is my healer and all I need is Him! The doctor proceeded to tell us that my cancer markers are down and all other blood tests look good! The side effects are from the Afinitor and they should subside. Once again my faith has been proven! The prayers that you are saying, the support that is strong, and my trust in God has once again made myself, family and friends very relieved. I thank God and you for all that you do! Rob, Patti, Shae, and Robbin came out with me so the celebration did go on tonight! Tomorrow we are going to Chicago to do a little shopping and mostly to eat the best pizza every, and see the Christmas lights. Chicago is so beautiful this time of year. I'll get pics on later. Sunday we plan on going to the Brat Stop for cheese and brats. Then back to watch the Broncos. Monday night we will be back home. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! There is so much to celebrate and we hope you are healthy and happy! God Bless, Gwyn

October 2012 At CTCA

Yep it's time for another trip to CTCA. This time we got here Sunday in the late morning so we had most of the day and night to do whatever we wanted. So we dropped off the luggage and off to the Chancery to eat. We were starving!!! After lunch we unpacked and yep we both took a nap and watched football. That's all the excitement we had. Outlet mall right across the street and I didn't go. Wow must be something wrong with me! Monday I had a PET Scan scheduled for 5pm. This is the scan that you can not eat 6 hours before and after the injection of radio active gadolinium you must stay still for one hour. The scan then begins and it takes 21 minutes. It's one of the easiest tests I have to do. Sleep through the whole thing. Well, ok kind of. HAHA We then went back to the hotel for a cheesehead dream hamburger!! Yum yum! My favorite hamburger!!! Then tuesday morning we went back to the hospital for my doctor appointment at noon. She told us that she was taking me off of the doxil because it was to hard on my body. After a dose of it I got a rash over my body, mouth and throat sores and body aches just to name a few things. These lasted for 3 weeks. I had one good week a month while taking the doxil. My doctor was not pleased with that and didn't want me living like that so I'm off of it and will now take Afinitor, Aromasin and Xgeva. These drugs are very costly and not entirely covered by my insurance. The Afinitor and Aromasin are a pill and the Xgeva is a shot. I will travel back to CTCA every 6 weeks for the shot and will take the pills daily. She did tell me that there is still increased activity on the bones that showed on the scan. My markers were all up also. This tells us that the doxil didn't work as well as she wanted it to. That's the main reason for stopping that drug. With the activity on the bone it's still important that I take some kind of chemotherapy. I have put a link for the Afinitor and Aromasin if anyone wants to look it up. There is side effects but nothing like any of the other drugs I have taken. Yeah!!! We return wednesday afternoon and I will come back the end of november for blood tests to see how this new drug is working. Thank you again for all the thoughts and prayers. God has been so good to me and with His help I am still fighting!! I thank Him for that and for all of You!!! God Bless!

September 2012 Trip to CTCA

Amazing how fast a month goes by!! Robbin and I went back to CTCA for my second round of chemo on September 7th. When we arrived at the hospital at 7:30am, I had my port accessed, gave blood, we went to breakfast and then the doctor appointment. I love my doctor. She spends at least 20 minutes with us explaining everything in detail!! You just can't find a better doctor than her!! The fist chemo that I got gave me several side affects.....swelling throat, hives, huge pimples, more neuropathy, headache that lasted 3 days,and bad body aches for most of the month. The doctor was very concerned about these and did say that these are not good for me but it is part of going through this chemo. She felt that if I could handle it she would like to see me have another month of the same chemo to see if my body will respond to it a little easier. It is up to me to make that decision and after much discussing with the doctor, Robbin and I thought it would be worth trying it for another month. The other option is to start on a pill that will work like a non hormone. I have been on a couple of these and they are much nicer to except but with my cancer markers going up I just felt like I wanted to get on top of the growth and after 6 treatments I can start on the pills. I need much prayer that my body will except this chemo so that I can continue it for 4 more treatments. I also am having the xgiva shot to help with the bone healing and pain. So I got a double dose of poison. We hope and pray that all of this will help stop the growth for another year and I can have some quality of life. It doesn't seem like much to give up 6 months for one year!!! Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers along this journey!! My daughters have been very helpful after I get home. This is a very difficult time for Robbin and the girls!! The support from you is so needed and appreciated!! While Gwyn goes through the struggle with Chemo, I sometimes feel very helpless and unsure of what I am supposed to do for her. As the side effects take a huge toll physically, they tear her down emotionally. I try to maintain a positive and supportive attitude, but it becomes a challenge. She and I BOTH need the help to cope with the stress involved with treating and living with this disease. Family and friends play a crucial role in the treatment of the mind and soul. Last year when she went through Chemo, we really didn't know what to expect. And since this one is a different type, we have to wait and see how she reacts as the medication accumulates. I would like to ask everyone to pick up the phone and check on her and talk to her about different things. Keep her mind occupied and she does much better!!! I have to say a huge thank you to our girls and Gwyn's sewing friends. Please continue to call and stop by (we need that). Thank You to all!!!

August Trip to CTCA

I must say.....I knew this trip was going to be a little different than in the past. A couple of events have occurred since July and this is where it all starts. My body has been feeling different than before which I've always been able to feel and definitely listen to. My doctor wanted a Pet scan done to see what if anything had changed as far as bone cancer growth and also to see if anything is abnormal in the liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, adrenal glands lower abdomen and lungs. I did tell her something is different...I have more aches in my shoulders, not sleeping well, very fatigued, and just am not myself. I'm thinking because she is the best doctor EVER, she always listen to me, that she could tell something was wrong. So the Pet scan was done from the base of the skull to mid thigh. It showed there is multiple foci of increased metabolic activities involving the sternum, both ribs, thoracic spine, left scapula and both proximal humeri. The blood tests showed all cancer markers have increased. This is where my pain is coming from. With all that said the doctor request that I start on a chemotherapy again. I had 2 different affects from that request.....oh no, not another 6 months of feeling like someone ran over me and then my mind felt the reality and I knew this was going to help me with the quality and quantity of my life. My doctor is and always has been a step ahead of my feelings. It's so amazing how she does this....very compassionate lady!! She sends me to the infusion room for my first round of chemo. This drug is call doxorubicin liposomal Doxil. I added the link if your interested in looking into it more. 2 hours later I was done and headed to the airport to come back home. We walked in the house about 10:30 pm and I went straight to bed.

CTCA Visit July 2012

Once again here I am at my favorite hospital. Wendy & Patti came out with me this time and they have been so supportive!! My first appointment was at 5:15am. Really? Well, we made it on time with a few minutes to spare. Since I was having a CT scan I couldn't eat. The techs here are very understanding of my need for coffee!! They got me in and out of there in 10 minutes!! I'm sure they have seen me without coffee before, otherwise why would they be so efficient? Haha....really this is just the way this hospital works. I Love Them!! I had about 2 hours before I could see my doctor. So, yes we went shopping. We found the cutest little boutique. Cute cute clothes, purses, belts, shoes.......and yes we came out of the store with a sack. Back to the hospital for my doctors report. She told me that the cancer markers had gone up just a little but she expected that. All other blood levels were doing what she expected too. The CT scan was good and showed the cancer activity but it was unchanged from the last scan. All in all, I had a good report!! My Healer is still answering our prayers!! Thank you Lord for that!! We left the hospital and went to the hotel to eat lunch and then went to the outlet mall right across the street. If you haven't gone shopping with Wendy and Patti, I'm telling you you should! They are a blast and when they get focused on finding something, don't get in their way!! We had lots of fun and I thank them for spending their time bringing me here and for making me laugh. Love you both! I usually come out every three months but she wants to see me in one month for a PET scan. Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers!!! Love you!!

CTCA in March 2012

Bring on the spring weather!!! It was beautiful and no need for a coat. Yeah!! As I was packing for this trip I really felt like I had mixed emotions about the results of the tests I was having. It had been three months since my last scans so it was time again for a Pet scan, CT scan and MRI. When I make my appointments of course I want to be the first one because I can't eat or drink before these tests. So my day started at 6am and I was done by 10am. These people know how to get you in and out of there. I love it!! And yes I did get grouchy because I was sooo hungry! :o) Robbin drove fast to the restaurant (thanks Robbin) and I scarfed down a waffle. One thing I like to do after these scans is walk off all the chemicals they put in my body. Ok I can't walk them off but I can at least help get them through my body. Otherwise, I get sick and my body just feels heavy. So we went shopping. One favorite thing that we love to eat is the Kringles at the Danish Pastry Kitchen. So we had them pack up some to bring home. We then went to the Brat Stop to get cheese and cheese curds. The next morning were my appointments with the doctor for all the results. We got there at 8:45am and didn't have to wait long. As we waited for the doctor to come in, you could just feel the tense air in the room. Robbin and I both were so concerned and had lots of anxiety going into this. My doctor comes in and tells us that the MRI showed no abnormal masses and the pet scan and ct scan has no significant increase in metabolic activity!!! The comparisons showed a decrease in growth rate of the tumors. The tumors have not moved to any other areas and are still contained in the bones. Robbin and I had tears of joy. We both felt so relieved and once again our God has answered prayers! There is a God who is my healer! He is always here for me in times of trouble and when times are good. This is proof!! God is good!!! Prayers from all my supporters are felt and answered once again. Thank you for all of this!! I got a shot of xgeva also. The doctor said since it had been two months since my last shot, it could cause some bone pain. I will contact my doctor here to ask if she can give me this xgeva shot. That means I don't go back to CTCA for 3 months. Wow, I may feel lost! hahaha

January 18, 2012 at CTCA

It seems like a long time since I've been to see my doctors. I really like that!! lol When I arrived at the hospital, I checked in, gave them some blood and waited for the doctor. I have been feeling so well and didn't think she would give me bad news. And she didn't! She did tell me my cancer markers are going up from 86 to 198. One thing is that she expected that as it is part of starting on tamoxifen and it takes time for it to start working. She wants me to continue on my schedule and return in March to see how the markers are doing then. She also gave me a shot of Xgeva. This is the bone healer medication. If the markers are still going up she wants to put me on another hormone along with the tamoxifen...like femara. This would be great with me. That means no chemo!!! It's time again for CT & PT scans which will show how the cancer is growing. I have been feeling so well and really don't want to start back on chemo. My life is getting back to normal, well as normal as I can get it, and Robbin and I want to enjoy some travel while we can. We also are moving and I want to create a comfortable home in town. It's exciting for us and we really need a new start this year. So continue to pray for us! As we move and get settled in a new home, I will continue to feel well, get more energy and not have as much pain.

When we arrived tuesday night our good friends meet us for dinner. Sandy & Jeff, thanks a ton! It was so good to see you and to know you are here if we ever need anything while away from home. Thank You!! The burgers at the Chancery are always the best! I crave them!! The weather here is soooo cold. Yesterday the high was 17 with 65% humidity and 10 mph winds!! Burr!!!!! We will be leaving just in time. They are expecting a snow storm this weekend. And we are supposed to be in the 50's at home!!

God Bless You All.

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!!!