Hair today, gone tomorrow! - wk 3

Once a week, during my chemo this summer, I make a post journaling my previous week, highlighting highs and lows and the mundane! This is the recap of my last week, wk 3.

June 23, Sun
Scott had to leave for work today.  The boys and I went to church.

June 24, Mon
Had appointment with my oncologist, Dr. Bobolis.  Doing well.  Zach and I picked up his glasses.

June 25, Tues
Zach and I made enchailadas. Yum!

June 26, Wed
I wanted to go out shopping to get some new pants before all my hair falls out, so I went shopping today. Success!  Jeans and shorts. (Well, a few tops too!)  I wore myself out!

Jun 27, Thurs
I may have made a big mistake today by washing my hair. I couldn't stand it any longer! I hadn't washed it since Sunday because when I touch it, it comes out. After I washed it today, it turned into a big rat's nest. I combed through the tangles and half of it came out. My days with hair are numbered!  But even the hairs on my head are numbered! (Or the lack thereof!)

 This is my hair that came out after I picked through it.  I think I lost half of what was left!

Lookin' thin!  (My hair, not me!)

Better with a hat!

I also had to get blood work done and by the time I got to the medical center closest to my house (5 minutes away), the lab was closed.  I thought, "Oh great, what am I going to do now cause I need it done before chemo tomorrow."  Then I remembered I could get it done at any Sutter lab, hoping other labs had different hours. It all worked out. I went to the lab at the building where I get my chemo, about 20 minutes away.

The techs have to poke me on the side veins.  

This week, I really got bruised. (Look at lower picture.)

On the way home I did some grocery shopping.  Came home and made spaghetti.  Then rested a bit before the airport run!

Zach and I picked up Scott at 11:30 tonight.  Scott has had a long week.  First he took the train from Rocklin to San Francisco on Sunday because he had a training meeting to attend there on Monday. Then he took the red eye out of San Francisco to Philadelphia Monday night, and went straight to work from the airport Tuesday morning; worked 2 more days there, then back to Sacramento tonight. And he says he has a 6:30am conference call in the morning!  (Remember the 3 hour time difference.)

June 28, Fri
Scott and I made it to the second chemo session.  We went to a different room than last time.  I think they are redoing the other room. Poor Scott, after I got all set up, he sat close to me and rested his head on my shoulder.

With 2 sessions down and 2 to go,  its not the IV used at chemo that is so bad, its the weekly blood draws that will be a challenge.  You can see the bruising by the bend in my arm.

One of my nurses, Julie

I found out today after chemo that I am suppose to get some Neupogen injections. I thought everything was fine with the blood results, but apparently, my white cell count dipped lower than it should during this cycle. It did go back to normal by yesterday.  So now I have to get a shot on days 3-7 this week to keep the white cells from getting too low.

My friend Kaye brought me a meal.  My kids said it was the closest lasagna recipe to mine that they have eaten. (That is a compliment!) Needless to say, no leftovers!

June 29, Sat
I feel good.  My hair loss is pitiful!  Actually, my hair may all fall out before I buzz it!  I'm gonna try to go to church tomorrow, but my hair will definitely be a problem.

Scott and I enjoyed the pool together for the first time this summer and had a nice visit catching up!  It was only 108* today!

My friend, Barb surprised us with dinner tonight!  I am truly blessed!

June 30, Sun
I woke up about 6:30.  I don't know if it is the results of the chemo drugs right now or not, but I feel good! I'll run with it cause I know the bad days will hit soon.  I need to get my first neupogen shot today at 4:30.

So this is my new look!  I couldn't go out to church

with a big bald spot in back and the stringy hair that was left.

Not too bad for a edgy new look!

I'm not sure I will ever show a picture of me bald.  I don't think that will be a good look for me!  I did have Matthew take a video of me when I was combing through my hair on Thursday.  It's over 8 minutes long and I don't think anyone wants to see that much of me combing my hair as fascinating as that may be!  So when Matt helps me edit it, I will put it up.

Well that was my week.  How was yours?

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Second Chemo on Friday

Monday, I had an appointment with my oncologist, Dr. Bobolis.  She seemed to be pleased with how the first round of chemo went for me.  My blood work looks good with all the appropriate highs and lows of white blood cell counts, and my side effects were quite manageable.  I'm hoping that my future chemo sessions will go just as well. My next one is this Friday, June 28 at 10:00 am.

*******

As I have navigated this complex world of cancer first hand over the last 6 months, I have come across a plethora of information.  I have learned a lot and from time to time would like to share some of my findings.

The following is a segment about the 3D mammogram.  The 3D mammogram is what was used on me to detect my tumors.  Without it, I'm not sure if my cancer would have been found when it was.  I had no idea that my mammography center, Roseville Imaging, even had a 3D machine.  They had only gotten it about 2 months prior to my mammogram and still used the 2D machines as well.  When my name was called, I "just happened" to be the next one up on the 3D.  Of course, I know that nothing just happens in God's economy.  I do credit my early detection to that machine (and the radiologist that read the x-ray) because nothing showed up clearly on the 2D image.

Something else that I never really heard about were "dense breasts." Dense breasts make it harder to detect tumors.  If you have dense breasts, you should try to have the 3D mammogram.  (Yes, I have dense breasts!  This was the first time any doctor or technician had ever told me that.) 

Here is more information on dense breasts: http://www.sutterhealth.org/health/Breast-Density-Breast-Cancer-Screening.pdf 

Have a good week from sunny Rocklin!  It will be 105/6 degrees this weekend!

I'm losing it! - wk 2

The following is a recap of my second week after chemo.  Overall, a good week!

June 14, Fri
I had to do some errands with Zach. It took a little bit out of me, but I'm glad I got out.  I even took a walk tonight.

June 15, Sat
Feeling better daily.  Just take naps more than I used to.

June 16, Sun
Josh and I did cameras at church.  Wasn't sure if I'd be up for it, but no prob!  Matt took Scott to the airport after first service.  I felt bad that Scott had to leave us on Father's Day.  The boys and I celebrated by going to Mel's Diner, (Josh's choice).

June 17, Mon
Matt and I went grocery shopping.  It's sure a lot easier when someone goes with me!  Feeling back to normal!

June 18, Tues
Zach and I had to do a couple of errands across town.  Made fajitas tonight while I feel up to it!

June 19, Wed
I'm feeling really good.  Did a ton of laundry.  Matt made a mean lasagna.  Finally went in the pool.

Of course my idea of a good time is floating on a tube!

Lily of the Nile or Agapanthus.  I call them 4th of July flowers cause they only come out this time of year and remind me of exploding fireworks.


June 20, Thurs
I know I only have a week left of feeling good before my next treatment, so I'm trying to live life as normal as possible.  Did some housework.  Zach and Josh mowed the front and back lawns, so it would look nice for their dad.  Matt made teriyaki pork, veggies and rice for dinner.  He's becoming quite the cook!  I picked up Scott late tonight at the airport.

My friend asked me today if I'm losing any hair.  I said probably not much more than normal. I feel extremely blessed!

June 21, Fri
I had to get some blood work done today.  Since I had my surgery, I'm only suppose to get my blood drawn on my right arm, but that isn't my best arm for drawing blood.  The technicians have to take it in weird places like the side veins, not the main one in the middle. Now I know why friends suggested that I have a port put in (which I didn't do).

I also had my last visit to Dr. Gulbrandson today.  He checked my surgical site for the last time, no aspiration.  Everything is good, good movement, healing well.  He shook my hand and wished me well. I told him if I ever needed surgery again I'd come back to him!
 I hope I never see him again.

Dr. Gulbrandson and his nurse, Delores

How things can change in a day!  More and more hair is coming out!

June 22, Sat
The Usual, (that is picking up, cleaning, laundry, etc).  Josh vacuumed.  Zach cleaned their bathroom. Matt made some chili. Gotta get Scott packed.

Ok, it is official, I'm losing my hair!  I don't know how much time I have until it all falls out!

So, here I am Saturday.  Take a good look!  I haven't wanted to brush my hair much.

Even after just touching my hair like this, hair comes out.

This is my hair collection for today only.  Anyone want to make a bet on when I lose it all?


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First Week Down! - wk 1

June 6, 2013, Thursday

Every week, I have to have blood drawn.  Today was the first of many.

First Chemo
June 7, 2013, Friday

I had my first chemo today and so far, so good. It took about 3 hours at the infusion center, a little longer than I thought. Each chemo drug took an hour to drip. First I had my blood pressure taken, which was extremely high, IV inserted, then saline drip with 2 anti-nausea drugs intravenously. This in addition to the 2 anti-nausea drugs I took before I got there. They really want to stop nausea before it starts. I'm glad for that.   Another saline flush at the end and I was done. Oh plus lunch! (sandwich, cookies, juice, etc)

As I kinda thought, the nurse said I wouldn't have any side effects there and maybe nothing for a while. The effects will come on gradually with maybe tiredness and then maybe some nausea. I felt ok today, actually stopping to do an errand on the way home. I thought I might as well do what I can while I'm feeling good! Plus its 106 degrees out and I wanted to get some new tubes for the pool. Scott's been keeping the yard and pool nice since he's been home so much. The nurse said its ok to go in the pool. Really no restrictions, live life as much as normal as possibly.

Scott went with me to the chemo session, we talked some, read some. I felt like he should have the good recliner, but it was for me!

June 8, Sat
Today, I woke up feeling great. I took a pill last night that is good for sleep and helps a bit if nauseated. This morning I took a pill that is for nausea and a pill to help with swelling and I think nausea too. I drank a bit of coffee, but it didn't taste that good. I'm to drink lots of water to get all the poison drugs out and not let them set in my bladder. It's funny, they fill you with all this poison , then they want it all out! The nurse said that drinking lots of water helps you feel better too. I drank 90 oz of water yesterday plus coffee and juice and I felt good, (and food of course!) so I'll see if that works today.  Lori brought me dinner.

So hoping for the best! With God on my side, who can be against me?

June 9, Sun
Woke up at 5. Felt good. Finished packing Scott's clothes. He's flying to Philadelphia today. Took my last dose of Emend and last dose of Decadron.  Even went to church!  Thought I should go while I still feel like I can.

June 10, Mon
Feeling a little puny. Cande brought me dinner. My extremities were tingly. Felt very uncomfortable.

June 11, Tues
My legs and feet and arms feel prickly and uncomfortable.  Its hard to relax.  I called the doctor's office about that.  I still haven't felt really nauseous. Nurse Kristi called back and said to taken vitamin B6. Maybe that would help the feeling in my extremities.  She said to be more active.  I haven't felt like taking a walk.  Felt sluggish and a bit tired. Alternate between bed and couch.  My boys are taking good care of me.  Matt made a good dinner.

June 12, Wed
Still don't feel good, In my head, I've wanted to get out and walk.  In my body, I haven't been able to.  Don't feel right, tired, uncomfortable.  My bff Lorri (LG) brought us dinner and my vitamin B6.... and rubbed my feet!  That was the best medicine!  Have a bit of a tender tummy.  Will have to be careful with what I eat.

June 13, Thurs
Woke up feeling the best I have in 2 days!  Maybe the worst is over for this round!  Thank you Jesus!  I will try to go for a walk today.  I have to go out and get some blood drawn anyway.  Scott flies in from Philly tonight.  By mid afternoon my good feelings diminished. Just tired and draggy.  Never did walk.

June 14, Fri
Well, it's been a week since I had chemo.  It does take a lot out of ya. My sleep is restless.  I feel like I can only eat gentle food, cream of wheat, toast, a little cantaloupe.  I've had a lot on my mind recently, trying to get the details worked out for Zach going away to college. I'm trusting God to help.

Chemo Summer - Day Five

It's been 5 days since I had my first chemo and I'm doing Ok.  Not much nausea.  They load me up on drugs for that.  Not overly tired. My biggest complaint is a feeling of tingling in my feet and legs.  It's uncomfortable.

To keep you current on my progress, I will update the page under the tab on top, My Chemo Summer.  Then once a week I will make that a post.  That way, if you are interested, you can keep up without me bombarding you with daily updates.



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Benefits of Chemo / Risks of Chemo

My dad called last night and was asking questions about my chemo, so I thought I would give a few more details the best I can. My first chemo session is this Friday, June 7 at 10 o'clock. (I have listed my chemo schedule on the top right-hand column of my blog under Chemo Calendar.)  I'll go to the cancer center at Sutter Roseville. There is a room next to my oncologist's office that probably holds about 20 recliners for patients and a chair next to each one for a guest.  I will have an IV placed and then 2 different types of drugs will be given to me, one after the other.  The drugs I will be given are taxotere and cytoxan. (To find out more details about these drugs and side effect, click on their link.)  It should take 1 1/2 -2 hours.

I will eat and drink before I go and I suppose I can eat there if I want to bring a snack.  Also I will take an anti-nausea drug before chemo. I think I won't start feeling the side effect for a few hours or even days after.  I'll let you know!  I hear day 3 or 4 are the toughest.  My doctor said that about 2 weeks after my first treatment I will loose my hair : ( But I am prepared!  I got my free wig yesterday!  Thanks American Cancer Society!

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:13

______________________________________________


Benefits Of Chemotherapy in Invasive Breast Cancer Treatment

When used appropriately, chemotherapy offers benefits for certain breast cancer patients that may outweigh the risks associated with side effects. Specifically, chemotherapy:

• can reduce the number of cancer cells that spread to other parts of the body, reducing the likelihood that breast cancer will return and potentially prolonging life 
• can be used before surgery to shrink larger tumors, making less invasive surgery possible 

Risks Of Chemotherapy in Invasive Breast Cancer Treatment

The following list is an overview of possible short- and long-term side effects that can occur as a result of chemotherapy treatment. Keep in mind that some side effects are temporary, and others can be minimized through medication and management by your breast cancer physician.

• Hair loss 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Infection 
• Fatigue 
• Nerve pain and muscle pain 
• Decrease in red blood cells and/or white blood cells 
• Heart disorders 
• Leukemia 

The side-effect profiles vary for each chemotherapeutic drug. For information about the risks associated with specific therapies, please consult your treating healthcare provider.

Although chemotherapy may cause side effects that affect quality of life, it is important to remember the potential benefits of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer as well. In addition, it is important to note that there are medications available to minimize some of the side effects of chemotherapy. You and your healthcare team should carefully consider the benefits and risks of chemotherapy before deciding whether it is appropriate for your individual breast cancer diagnosis.


The above information is from My Breast Cancer Treatment Org
http://www.mybreastcancertreatment.org/en-US/MyBreastCancerTreatment/IsRightForMe.aspx#.UZOunbXryXU

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Another Graduation!

May has always been a full month for our family.  Twenty-eight years ago, Scott and I were married on May 18th.  Three years later, Matthew was born on May 10th and two years after that Zachary was born on May 16th.  Add to that Mother's Day, end of the year school band activities, and graduations and it definately is one of the busiest months of the year.

We have yet another college graduate in our family!  Last Friday, May 24th, Zachary graduated from Sierra College with his AA degree in Natural Science.

Zach will be transferring to San Jose State University studying Digital Media Art.  Zach and I took a trip to San Jose/ Santa Cruz for orientation yesterday and the day before.  I visited my sisters in Santa Cruz. (Oh yeah, it was my sister, Anita's birthday.  Another May activity!)

Zach has a God given talent for drawing and will be pursuing his interest.  Here are a few of Zach's drawings:

Health News
This week, I'm preparing myself for chemo, mentally and practically. I've read lots of info about it, about the drugs, side effects, blood count, hair loss, nausea. Tuesday I'm picking out a wig, just in case! On Thursday, I'll get some blood drawn and once a week thereafter. I have 4 different meds for nausea which I'll start before the first session. The boys and I will try to plan and prepare some meals ahead of time. Some friends may also bring meals.

Then Friday, June 7, I will have my first chemo treatment at 10 o'clock in the morning.  I think I'm ready!

FYI
Chemocare.com is a good site that gives information about chemotherapy.  http://chemocare.com/default.aspx

The chemo drugs I will be given are Taxotere
http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Taxotere.aspx

and Cytoxan.
http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/cytoxan.aspx