Yesterday morning I dropped Alex off at his cross country practice. Can I just stop for a moment and say how amazing I think he is and how proud I am. These kids run 45 - 50 miles per week and he never complains. He loves it. I don't know how he does it but I know that he didn't get that from me! The kids are so encouraging. He got straight A's this past year and has opted to take honors English this year - so proud!
Anyway, on the way home a line from a song from their elementary school popped in my head...This is a day that the lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Okay the day was beautiful and I would have loved to be rejoicing...but I guess I was feeling a little selfish...not looking forward to my chemo.
Anyway, all went well as usual. My mom accompanied me this time. My only complaint between round 3 and 4 was that my leg muscles are really getting sore...I'm talking like I feel 90 years old! I'm winded and legs aching after walking up less than 10 steps! It's crazy. I'm ready for that to stop!
I did get to fit in an amazing few days in Mexico with my mom and dad. The weather was GREAT! There was a nice cool breeze. Mom didn't like it too much but I thought it was fabulous. I appreciated it even more when I got back home and the heat was a stifling 90+. I'm hoping that they are going back soon so that I can enjoy it again before my next round. I have only 2 more to go. I guess I should be glad about that! Please keep my Aunt Mary in your prayers. She's going down the same path as me now but just starting out.
Well, time for my nappy! Take care and I love you all!
Jenn
Round 4
Friday, August 27, 2010
Posted by Jenn at 8:17 PM 1 comments
Chemo Round 3
Saturday, August 21, 2010
**Okay I wrote this on 8/7 and had some "technical difficulties" because I was trying to post an video of the elephants that I mention below. I was discouraged because I thought I lost it all and haven't come back until today....
Okay, I've been a total slacker and haven't written a single post since round 2. So, I'm going to start there. It wasn't as eventful as round one - no hospital vacation. I was a good girl and took my meds. I actually found if I took zofran & a vicadin every 12 hours that the days were pretty manageable. I was a little more tired this round but squeezed in a few excursions.
I went to the San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park. The Zoo was great. I walked around for about 4 - 5 hours. The Polar Bears were very active and close to the glass. It made for great pictures. We saw the trainers with the cheetah's really close up. The elephant trainers were trying to coax the elephants into the water with a ton of treats but they were only mildly successful.
The following day we went to the Wild Animal Park. I could hardly walk up the hill from the parking lot to the entrance. So, I was wheelchair bound for the day. If you've ever been before you know how hilly the whole park is. We found out that they have a shuttle service for "handicapped" people. I fell into this category and it was a godsend. I've pushed a stroller around with a 30lb kid. I knew that there was no way that I could be pushed around all day!
It turned out to be the most amazing day ever. We were up at one of the overlooks the viewed the elephants. We looked over at their waterhole and there were several elephants rolling around in the water. I jumped out of the wheelchair and we ran through the paths over to an area that was directly in front of the water. There were about 6-7 elephants having a blast in the water including the babies. I have never seen them having so much fun. They were flipping around and playing with each other. The babies were chasing each other back and forth. I'm going to embed a little video that we took. It doesn't show everything but you'll get the jist of things. If I could see this every day in person I would be a happy camper. I've always loved the Wild Animal Park and now I appreciate them even more for providing the animals with a habitat that they can be themselves in. There is a sign posted with the story of this particular group of elephants. It said that elephants can be very destructive to their habitat. The reserve that they were in had too many elephants and were going to have to put some down. The WAP stepped in and took 7. Another zoo in Florida took 4. This enabled for no elephants to be destroyed. Since they came to the WAP there have been 3 babies this year. How amazing is that!
On the hair situation - It grew to about 3/4 of an inch long and was just becoming really uncomfortable. It was like it didn't know where to go when I layed down. It kept pulling on my scalp. It was also falling out if I had an itch too. So, I shaved it. I'm so much more comfortable but now I'm wearing scarves on my head to avoid any sunburn.
I have to admit that I realized that I had my 3rd round coming up about a week prior. I really wasn't looking forward to it - didn't want to do it but now it's done and everything is fine. The benadryl only knocked me out for about 30-45 minutes. I'm a little bummed because I've made one friend on my treatment days. Next round will be her last and I won't have anyone to chat with anymore. I'm hoping to have enough strenghth to make her a little celebration cake...maybe chocolate with chocolate ganache. We'll see if the stars align and it works out. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
It's a funny thing in the infusion waiting room. There are usually some cookies on the counter and boy are they popular. Everyone stops by for a nibble. I made a batch before and they received rave reviews. This past Thursday I wasn't able to make them but I'm hoping to bring some in this Monday. Oh yeah, that's one thing I forgot to mention. Since I ended up in the hospital after round one and I'm horrible at getting enough fluid in me...I'm supposed to drink 64 oz./day but water tastes really horrible...my doctor has me on IV hydration 2 days after chemo...Monday and Tuesday. It really helps so I don't mind at all.
That's all I can remember right now...getting a little sleepy. My sister should be here in about an hour to help me cook some meals for the week. Isn't she a doll? Not to mention that I'll get to visit with my beautiful niece with the permanent smile ; ) Okay - nighty, night! I'll try to be better with keeping in touch!
Posted by Jenn at 2:03 PM 0 comments
Chemo Round 2
Friday, July 16, 2010
Yesterday I had round 2 of my chemo. I started out once again with Benadryl to help with any allergic reactions. Last time I lasted all of about 10 minutes before falling into a deep sleep. This time I lasted about 30 minutes. Whoo Hoo! Then I had a very nice and peaceful nap. It all went pretty quickly - a little over 3 hours. Next time should be faster since I'm not having any adverse reactions. I went home and took another nap. All is good.
Today I've just been a little tired but up most of the day. I've been playing Age of Empires on the computer with Alex & Eddie. It's a pretty fun game. You build your civilizations and attack the computer enemies. We've been kicking some bootie...makes it even better - it's no fun when they totally destroy you!
I got my Neulasta shot today as well. This is the one that will help my white blood count come up when it is low. It's also the one that helped land me in the hospital last time. I'm hoping to manage it a little better this time with some pain medication. I'm not going to try to go without any Vicodin this time ; )
I also got some amazing photo's from my family in Missouri today. I haven't seen any of them for probably close to 10 years. They were a sight for sore eyes and I'm hoping that I can take a trip over there to give them each a big hug - I miss them so much!
Anyways, thank you all for the kind thoughts, prayers and well wishes. It helps keep my spirits up. Everyone tells me that I have a very upbeat attitude and that will really help me through this. It's all because of all of you. Thank you & I love you all!
Posted by Jenn at 9:13 PM 0 comments
Locks of Love
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
I had my head shaved on Tuesday, June 29th. My friend Irene was kind enough to leave work early and come and film it for me. I really like my new hair do. It's so cool even though it is blazing outside and it's really nice not having to curl it or deal with it wrapping around my neck all night as I try to sleep. The only thing I worry about is a potential sunburn and it's a little uncomfortable if I'm in air conditioning - actually I'm freezing! Anyway, Enjoy....
Posted by Jenn at 5:53 PM 0 comments
I'm Back!
Friday, July 9, 2010
I’m back to work, back to feeling great, and back to tasting food again! It was a little rough after my first round of chemo…but not as bad as I was expecting…and Hey, I had constant help around me to bend to my every whim. (Hope I wasn’t too obnoxious).
I got all of my chemo via IV drip. I showed up to the hospital with my entourage, mom & Eddie…card games and laptop in tow. Then I was informed that I was only allowed one visitor. After some firmness from me and many statements that they should let people know the rules ahead of time, yada yada yada – they caved and all was well in the world again. They started me off with Benadryl to help counteract any allergic reactions I might have. We got through one round of cards and I was done. The Benadryl knocked me out. I woke up when she was administering the Red Devil. It is so RED! It looks like some pretty potent Hawaiian Punch. I haven’t had that stuff for such a long time! I had to munch on ice cubes and keep my fingers in a container of ice as well. This helps with nerve damage – Lovely ; ) I have to say that that was the worst of it. I was freezing with my hands in that ice!
Afterwards we went over to Olive Garden for my favorite – Chicken Scampi and Minestrone soup. I didn’t even get to the Scampi. The soup and salad…and er, breadsticks…filled me up - but no worries, I took care of the scampi over the next 3 days! Waste not, want not! It was fabulous!
I kept waiting for the horror to occur but I really didn’t have any major issues…well, a little one but I’ll get to that in a minute. I experienced some nausea but I love food way too much to lose any of it. I was pretty sore up and down my spine but I’d been lying around for almost a week. I figured I was getting bed sores from the laziness. I tried to be good. I would wake up for about 10 minutes every once in a while and cruise the house – just to say that I was making the effort of keeping in shape.
I received a Neulasta shot the day after my chemo. It was no big deal. They said that if my counts were low, it would kick in and help produce more white cells…I might feel some pain in my hips. The days were passing and no hip pain…just spine pain. I was raised to not take any medicine unless it was necessary. I was taking the anti-nausea medicine but that was it. I was waiting for the hip pain but that wasn’t happening. All of the naps were taking their toll on me too ; ) My hours of alertness tended to be around 4:00 am. If you find yourself awake at this time there is a cable channel called Cooking Network. It’s just like Food Network but has many shows that I’ve never seen before. I was having a great time.
Wednesday at 4:00am I woke up and drank some juice and flipped on the Cooking Network. I had taken 2 senacot the night before – they are to keep the going great. Well, between the senacot and the juice, I unleashed all hell. Over the next 12 hours I was a human faucet…and I started to spike a fever. Doctor said to head to the ER.
Of course by the time I got there I didn’t have a fever. I didn’t have to wait more than 5 minutes in the waiting room. That’s the benefit of having a compromised immune system. I had to wait for a bed for probably 15-20 minutes but to me it felt like 2 hours...the cool linoleum floor was looking very appealing to me. Once I had a bed I learned that not everyone is allowed to access my port for the IV drip…and pain medication most importantly.
Finally an angel sent from the chemo ward or something arrived. She was amazing and caring and able to access my port. They gave me Dilaudid and the world was once again AMAZING. Within about 20 seconds my pain was completely gone. The spine pain & stomach pain was pretty unbearable but the dilaudid reduced it to nothing. Eventually I was moved to my own room on the oncology floor. It was small and dark and I loved it. I had the most amazing nurses and I’m ashamed that I don’t remember all of their names. I slept around the clock and had dilaudid every 4 hours. Life was bliss. I told the doctor I didn’t want to go home – keep me as long as possible. I was sleeping and comfortable and all the things that I wasn’t at home. It was my mini vacation – all for $100.00 (my deductible). All was good. I think I literally slept for 3 days straight. I never even turned the TV on. On day 4 I awoke with lots of energy…the TV went on, I finally took a shower, and they kicked me out.
Here’s a little clip from Wikipedia on the wonder-drug Dilaudid: “It is thought to be 8-10 times stronger than morphine, but with a lower risk of dependency. In addition, it usually proves to be the first alternative of choice to morphine in severe chronic pain.” Heck yeah – It was definitely my first choice compared to the Vicodin that was also offered.
Posted by Jenn at 6:48 PM 0 comments
The Red Devil
Sunday, June 27, 2010
I've always loved the idea of traveling but the financial reality in my life makes that pretty much impossible. There is one place (if I only ever got to pick one) that I would love to go and that is Italy. I took an art appreciation class in college and the paintings and architecture call to me.
I was doing some googling last week and found some interesting information on one of the worst drugs that I am taking - Adriamycin: The Red Devil. Adriamycin was originally isolated from bacteria found in soil samples taken from Castel del Monte, a 13th century Italian castle.
I'm copy-pasting here because I don't have much energy but I wanted you to see what I saw...totally fascinating...
Castel del Monte (Italian: Castle of the Mount) is a 13th century castle situated in Andria in the Apulia region of southeast Italy. It was built by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II some time between 1240 and 1250; it has been despoiled of its interior marbles and furnishings in subsequent centuries. It has neither a moat nor a drawbridge and might in fact never have been intended as a defensive fortress.
Castel del Monte is situated on a small hill close to the monastery of Santa Maria del Monte, at an altitude of 540 m. It lies in the comune of Andria, occupying the site of an earlier fortress of which no structural remains exist.
It was completed in 1240 and was used primarily as a hunting lodge by Frederick until his death in 1250. It was later turned into a prison, used as a refuge during a plague, and finally fell into disrepair. It originally had marble walls and columns, but all were stripped by vandals.
The fortress is an octagonal prism with an octagonal bastion at each corner. Each floor has 8 rooms and an eight-sided courtyard occupies its centre.[1] The octagon is thought to be an intermediate symbol between a square (representing the earth) and a circle (representing the sky). Frederick II may have been inspired to build to this shape by either the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, which he had seen while on Crusade, or by the Palace Chapel of Aachen Cathedral.
After having been abandoned for a considerable length of time, the castle was purchased in 1876 for the sum of 25,000 lire by the Italian government, which began the process of restoration in 1928.
Central to the plot of Umberto Eco's novel The Name of the Rose is an old fortress known as the 'Aedificium'. This was almost certainly inspired by Castel del Monte.[2][3]
Castel del Monte was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, who described it as "a unique masterpiece of medieval military architecture".[4]
Castel del Monte is depicted on the reverse of the Italian-issue 1 Euro cent coin.
I just thought all of this was totally amazing and even if I never get to go to Italy...a little bit of Italy has come to me ;)
Posted by Jenn at 10:55 AM 0 comments
Chemo - Round 1
Friday, June 25, 2010
The morning started out with some great news. My oncologist said that there was nothing unusual with my brain MRI or my echocardiogram. So, I am starting out with a clean slate. I really feel very fortunate to have all of these tests run and am able to know the true condition of my body. I don't consider myself someone that makes much effort to take care of my body - so, I am breathing a sigh of relief each time I receive the results of these tests.
Next I was off to the juice bar. My regimine is referred to as TAC - taxotere, adriamycin, and cytoxin. I started out with some benadryl, anti-nausea medicine, and then the adriamycin. It looks like a bag of Hawaiian Tropic Kool Aide and is called the Red Devil. I guess it is pretty powerful and at it's worse can cause heart issues and myeloid leukemia. I've found some really interesting information on this drug. I'm going to do a separate post on it - it deserves it! Then I received the other two drugs. The taxotere was given to me at a very slow pace for the first 15 minutes to see if I would have an allergic reaction. I didn't so they increased the pace for another 15 minutes. Still no reaction, so, they let 'er rip. I expected to be there for over 5-6 hours but since my body was handling it well I ended up leaving after about 4. Not too bad!
You should have seen us in there. We set up camp and started playing cards. I brought my computer. I planned on having some fun and posting on the blog live. We got through the first round of our card game as the benadryl went in and that was all she wrote. I was down for the count. So much for my good intentions.
My appetite wasn't affected either. We were all starving and headed out to Olive Garden. I enjoyed a bowl of minestroni and a couple bites of chicken scampi - my favorite! I guess normally I would have eaten a little more but now I have great leftovers.
That's pretty much it. I slept like the dead on and off for the rest of the day. I was also taking steroids which makes my wake up time about 3am. I count on Showtime to keep me occupied until everyone else wakes up.
Tomorrow morning I go back for a shot of Neulasta. This will help my body to regenerate white blood cells. It also has the side effect of intense bone pain. We'll see if I can avoid the nasty effects of this one. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
All in all...not a bad day...much better than I expected.
Posted by Jenn at 7:25 PM 0 comments