This time has been easier with the sickness. I have not been as nauseous as before. I only took one med one day for feeling sick. Really tired and going slow but not like before.
In fact I went to work on Tuesday feeling pretty good, and better as the day went on.
So maybe Dr. Richert-Boe was a little bit right about this being the easier part of the chemo.. we'll see with the next treatments. I cant jump in and say for sure yet.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
2nd fundraiser
I also have to add that my co-workers had another fund raiser. This one was for salads at lunch time.
Everyone had their choice of what they wanted on their salads. The choices were a lot. Cucumber, tomato, broccoli, cauliflower, sugar snap peas, mushroom, red pepper, red onion, cheese, beets, celery, olives, eggs, bacon bits, croutons, sun flower seeds. Than the dressings: Ranch, thousand island, vinaigrette, Italian.
And if you wanted grilled chicken or turkey/ham
Again, they all amazed me. They raised $744.65. I cant say enough about my work mates, they continue to surprise me with all they do and how much they care. I know some gave, who don't really know me since we work in different depts and different buildings. Thanks goes to everyone who gave and worked on this.
Richard and I don't know how to say thank you enough!
After posting this, I got an new email saying they had more funds come in, one was $6.00 and one for $100.00. So the new total for this is $850.65. ************Absolutely Unbelievable!!********
Everyone had their choice of what they wanted on their salads. The choices were a lot. Cucumber, tomato, broccoli, cauliflower, sugar snap peas, mushroom, red pepper, red onion, cheese, beets, celery, olives, eggs, bacon bits, croutons, sun flower seeds. Than the dressings: Ranch, thousand island, vinaigrette, Italian.
And if you wanted grilled chicken or turkey/ham
Again, they all amazed me. They raised $744.65. I cant say enough about my work mates, they continue to surprise me with all they do and how much they care. I know some gave, who don't really know me since we work in different depts and different buildings. Thanks goes to everyone who gave and worked on this.
Richard and I don't know how to say thank you enough!
After posting this, I got an new email saying they had more funds come in, one was $6.00 and one for $100.00. So the new total for this is $850.65. ************Absolutely Unbelievable!!********
HER-2 questions
Thanks for the questions!! test me! I feel I know all about this, I have do so much reading about it!
My cancer books explain the HER-2 as this:
The drug Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody directed against HER2. HER2 is a bio marker that is tested on your initial biopsy. Herceptin is an antibody that targets HER2, a protein on the surface of the cells of certain breast cancers. HER2 is an oncogene, a non-inherited gene mutation.
You have a 20 to 25 percent chance of being HER 2 positive. If this is the case, Herceptin can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Not classified as chemotherapy, Herceptin belongs to a new group of treatments called targeted therapy. Herceptin is an antibody designed to target HER2 and shut it down.
It is given by IV either once a week (which I am doing) or every three weeks using a triple dose. Either method is equally effective and equally safe.
The down side is a risk with Herceptin. About 5% of patients develop some weakening of the heart muscle, so monitoring of the heart is needed. (why I have the muga scans). Fortunately, if this type of heart problem occurs, it can improve upon discontinuing the drug.
Hope this helps explain it. Its a little confusing I think.
My cancer books explain the HER-2 as this:
The drug Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody directed against HER2. HER2 is a bio marker that is tested on your initial biopsy. Herceptin is an antibody that targets HER2, a protein on the surface of the cells of certain breast cancers. HER2 is an oncogene, a non-inherited gene mutation.
You have a 20 to 25 percent chance of being HER 2 positive. If this is the case, Herceptin can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Not classified as chemotherapy, Herceptin belongs to a new group of treatments called targeted therapy. Herceptin is an antibody designed to target HER2 and shut it down.
It is given by IV either once a week (which I am doing) or every three weeks using a triple dose. Either method is equally effective and equally safe.
The down side is a risk with Herceptin. About 5% of patients develop some weakening of the heart muscle, so monitoring of the heart is needed. (why I have the muga scans). Fortunately, if this type of heart problem occurs, it can improve upon discontinuing the drug.
Hope this helps explain it. Its a little confusing I think.
Chemo Round 5
Thursday June 24th, chemo treatment number 5.
This was a stressful day. Richard and I pulled into the parking spot at Kaiser and I started crying. "I don't want to do this. I want to quit." So we sat there for a little bit until I had some composure back.
Even though Dr. Richert-Boe and the nurses say its easier with the two new drugs. I was so sick last time, that that's all I can imagine feeling again.
This time my Dr was on vacation, so I met with Dr. Chandler. He was very nice, looked at my surgery scars, asked me several questions about how I am feeling, (started crying again) and he was understanding. Suggested some other therapies like yoga, prayer, walking, reading, painting etc and said its OK to feel how ever I feel. If I feel like crying, than cry, if I feel down that's OK too. No one knows what chemo is like unless you have been through it.
He than addressed a few questions to Richard. Being the spouse is hard, watching your loved one not only go through the physical part of chemo but the emotional part too.
Dr. Chandler said the test results from the MUGA scan came back really good. He said it tests the strength of the heart valves. No one is perfect and had 100, mountain climers have about 90 and mine started at the first test with 86 and I am now a 84 which he said is really good. He also suggested another test in about 2 months.
I than went and picked out my chair. Today was a loooooooooong day. My appointment with the Dr. was at 8:30am and I got to my chemo chair at about 9am. that's not unusual. But I left for the day at 5pm. I was there for 8 1/2 hours this time. They told me it was going to be a long day ... but not this long!
Started the two new drugs. But first they gave me some benadryl and prilosec. Than all of a sudden I got to feeling sick like I was going to puke. So they pulled the curtains on both sides of my area just so they nurses station could see me which was nice privacy. And I kept them closed the whole time I was there. The nurses were running around looking for a little puke tray. And sure enough I puked. Once that was over, I was feeling a little better. I think it was just too stressful in my mind and I was too nervous. I felt more nervous than I did the first couple times I went.
After that, they gave me some Lorazepan for stress. So we had to wait about 30 minutes before they started the first chemo drug.
Richard brought me a Subway sandwich for lunch which I just nibbled on for while. A little leery to eat the whole thing.
The Pharmacist came by and suggested that I eat foods that are soft and easy to digest. Nothing too spicy, or acidic like spaghetti sauce, Mexican, tomato based. Not sure if I can do that!
The first drug is Taxol. And to make sure my body accepts it OK with out any reactions the IV is really really really slow for the first 30 minutes than a little faster after that.
Once that drug was done, they gave me Herceptin. This is not really a chemo drug, but a synthetic hormone made from the Yew tree. This is because my cancer tested positive for the HER2 hormone.
Once both drugs were done they had me just sit there for about 30 minutes to watch for any reactions.
No pink or blue or green urine with any of these drugs!
Richard brought me this morning and stayed for a little while. Binnie stopped by for a short time. Than mom and my cousin Tim who is visiting from Minnesota stopped by. Richard came back and he left with Tim. Mom stayed and took me home.
I had a lot of visitors today and I needed it since it was such a long day.
I have been going every three weeks for chemo treatment. I will continue that, but add in a weekly visit every Thursday for the Herceptin. I will do this for the rest of the chemo time, which is less than 12 weeks, since I am more than half way done now, than I will every go every three weeks for a year just to get the Herceptin.
Still a long road ahead of me but getting closer to the end of the chemo.. only 3 treatments left now.
I figure I should be done the first part of September.
This was a stressful day. Richard and I pulled into the parking spot at Kaiser and I started crying. "I don't want to do this. I want to quit." So we sat there for a little bit until I had some composure back.
Even though Dr. Richert-Boe and the nurses say its easier with the two new drugs. I was so sick last time, that that's all I can imagine feeling again.
This time my Dr was on vacation, so I met with Dr. Chandler. He was very nice, looked at my surgery scars, asked me several questions about how I am feeling, (started crying again) and he was understanding. Suggested some other therapies like yoga, prayer, walking, reading, painting etc and said its OK to feel how ever I feel. If I feel like crying, than cry, if I feel down that's OK too. No one knows what chemo is like unless you have been through it.
He than addressed a few questions to Richard. Being the spouse is hard, watching your loved one not only go through the physical part of chemo but the emotional part too.
Dr. Chandler said the test results from the MUGA scan came back really good. He said it tests the strength of the heart valves. No one is perfect and had 100, mountain climers have about 90 and mine started at the first test with 86 and I am now a 84 which he said is really good. He also suggested another test in about 2 months.
I than went and picked out my chair. Today was a loooooooooong day. My appointment with the Dr. was at 8:30am and I got to my chemo chair at about 9am. that's not unusual. But I left for the day at 5pm. I was there for 8 1/2 hours this time. They told me it was going to be a long day ... but not this long!
Started the two new drugs. But first they gave me some benadryl and prilosec. Than all of a sudden I got to feeling sick like I was going to puke. So they pulled the curtains on both sides of my area just so they nurses station could see me which was nice privacy. And I kept them closed the whole time I was there. The nurses were running around looking for a little puke tray. And sure enough I puked. Once that was over, I was feeling a little better. I think it was just too stressful in my mind and I was too nervous. I felt more nervous than I did the first couple times I went.
After that, they gave me some Lorazepan for stress. So we had to wait about 30 minutes before they started the first chemo drug.
Richard brought me a Subway sandwich for lunch which I just nibbled on for while. A little leery to eat the whole thing.
The Pharmacist came by and suggested that I eat foods that are soft and easy to digest. Nothing too spicy, or acidic like spaghetti sauce, Mexican, tomato based. Not sure if I can do that!
The first drug is Taxol. And to make sure my body accepts it OK with out any reactions the IV is really really really slow for the first 30 minutes than a little faster after that.
Once that drug was done, they gave me Herceptin. This is not really a chemo drug, but a synthetic hormone made from the Yew tree. This is because my cancer tested positive for the HER2 hormone.
Once both drugs were done they had me just sit there for about 30 minutes to watch for any reactions.
No pink or blue or green urine with any of these drugs!
Richard brought me this morning and stayed for a little while. Binnie stopped by for a short time. Than mom and my cousin Tim who is visiting from Minnesota stopped by. Richard came back and he left with Tim. Mom stayed and took me home.
I had a lot of visitors today and I needed it since it was such a long day.
I have been going every three weeks for chemo treatment. I will continue that, but add in a weekly visit every Thursday for the Herceptin. I will do this for the rest of the chemo time, which is less than 12 weeks, since I am more than half way done now, than I will every go every three weeks for a year just to get the Herceptin.
Still a long road ahead of me but getting closer to the end of the chemo.. only 3 treatments left now.
I figure I should be done the first part of September.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Blood Test
The day before my chemo, I go to Kaiser to have my blood tested. They take two small viles. Today was that day. So after my lunch I went to Kaiser. By the time I got back to work my results were already available online. My counts are good. Not too high, not too low.
Last time Dr. Richert-Boe said that was a little uncommon that they are staying so good. Not that anyone is complaining about it!
If the counts would be too low, than they put it off for a week and I would have my blood tested again, which in turn just prolongs the entire process.
I am glad my blood is holding up and counts are doing well.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Muga Scan number 2
Yesterday, Monday June 14th, I went to St. Johns Medical Center Nuclear Medicine Dept for my second MUGA scan.
I had one of these done I think it was in March.
They give you an IV, and in that IV is a protein that attaches to the red blood cells, send you back to the waiting room for about 20 minutes.
After that, they had me lay on bed, platform is more like it, its about a foot wide, strap in you in with a wide fabric belt, and make you lay extremely still. You move towards the circle of the machine, but not into it. Then these square plates come up from the sides and are so close, they almost touch you. If you are afraid of being enclosed, this would freak you out. They are so close that I tried to look at the markings on them, but it was blurry it was so close to my face. So I just laid their with my eyes closed. After about 20 minutes, the plates move away and they unstrap you and your are done.
This machine and test, is testing the strength of my heart. The Adriamycian chemo drug that I have been on can be really hard on the heart . So now that I am done with that drug, they wanted to check my heart again.
they said my Dr. should have my results in a couple of days.
On my way out of the hospital, I stopped at the Starbucks on floor 2 and got a coffee. Since the rule was no food or drink 4 hours before hand,(that wasn't too hard) and the fact that I deserved a coffee, I got one!
The appointment was at 1pm, so I left work about 12:35pm, and I left the hospital at about 2:15pm.
This time this appointment seemed to take longer than the last one they did.
I stopped off at the house, had some lunch and went back to work.
I had one of these done I think it was in March.
They give you an IV, and in that IV is a protein that attaches to the red blood cells, send you back to the waiting room for about 20 minutes.
After that, they had me lay on bed, platform is more like it, its about a foot wide, strap in you in with a wide fabric belt, and make you lay extremely still. You move towards the circle of the machine, but not into it. Then these square plates come up from the sides and are so close, they almost touch you. If you are afraid of being enclosed, this would freak you out. They are so close that I tried to look at the markings on them, but it was blurry it was so close to my face. So I just laid their with my eyes closed. After about 20 minutes, the plates move away and they unstrap you and your are done.
This machine and test, is testing the strength of my heart. The Adriamycian chemo drug that I have been on can be really hard on the heart . So now that I am done with that drug, they wanted to check my heart again.
they said my Dr. should have my results in a couple of days.
On my way out of the hospital, I stopped at the Starbucks on floor 2 and got a coffee. Since the rule was no food or drink 4 hours before hand,(that wasn't too hard) and the fact that I deserved a coffee, I got one!
The appointment was at 1pm, so I left work about 12:35pm, and I left the hospital at about 2:15pm.
This time this appointment seemed to take longer than the last one they did.
I stopped off at the house, had some lunch and went back to work.
Fund raiser at work
To my surprise, my co-workers and friends at work raised $754.00 to help with my medical expenses. I explained to one who helped take the lead, that I have no way of repaying anyone for what they have done. Her comment was that the repayment is for me to get better, to get healthy. It is soooo generous that it made me cry when I was told how much they raised.. To think I have that many friends at Red Canoe Credit Union who care.
The cookies they made by hand were sugar cookies with pink frosting in the shape of the cancer awareness pink ribbon and were frosted, sprinkled, bagged and sold within the credit union.. The three of them, Sharla, Yolanda and Kris put in a lot of time, effort and love to do this. Thank you to them. And thank you to all who participated and gave. It means so much.
The cookies they made by hand were sugar cookies with pink frosting in the shape of the cancer awareness pink ribbon and were frosted, sprinkled, bagged and sold within the credit union.. The three of them, Sharla, Yolanda and Kris put in a lot of time, effort and love to do this. Thank you to them. And thank you to all who participated and gave. It means so much.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Feeling Better
I think with the help of the BRAT (Banana's, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet, I am going to pull through this time.
Those foods helped me get some food in me that I wouldn't throw up and that has helped.
Now after 10 days of no coffee , I just need a good Starbucks and I will be fine!
Those foods helped me get some food in me that I wouldn't throw up and that has helped.
Now after 10 days of no coffee , I just need a good Starbucks and I will be fine!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Still Home...
Kaiser oncology closes at 5pm. after that if you need them, you are to call the Sunnyside Kaiser and ask for an oncology nurse who is on call.I called Longview at 4pm and never got a call back so had to call Portland.
I had been so sick and not keeping any food down since Monday night so Richard forced me to call. Of course, they want to know why you are calling Portland and not Longview blah blah blah.(so far, for this entire situation, I am really fed up with Kaiser and how they treat everyone, decent insurance coverage but customer service stinks) So the nurse on the phone goes over a list of questions that takes about 20 minutes, has me take my temperature while on the phone with her and says to eat a little bit of the BRAT diet. Bananas (which I dislike everything about them), Rice, Applesauce and Toast. to try a little of those foods, take a medication I have a little bit left of and to lay on my right side since the stomach empties out better on the right.(never heard of that one before). So I try it. Spent a rough night waking up every hour still feeling bad.
Got up yesterday (Wed) morning and was still puking. So I have Richard call the Longview Kaiser and they were much nicer. Gave some helpful solutions, like no full strength juice because its too sugary on an empty stomach - I had been drinking orange juice ,the peppermint candies I was eating because the peppermint sounded and felt soothing wasn't the best either, .....as was the pizza (it sounded really good and tasted really good!) I had for lunch on Monday was probably not the wisest choice of food,so no greasy foods, no sugary foods and they prescribed some more meds. Had me put one of the meds under my tongue rather than swallow it, that way it can't be thrown up. This was the key. This helped I would say within the hour. For dinner I had some white rice with just a little BBQ pork on it for some protein and a little teryakki sauce.. not the best tasting but it was food. And since I had not had real food, only saltines, some tortilla chips and ginger ale for almost two days it tasted pretty good.!
Today I am suppose to call them back and let them know how I am doing and how the meds are working. Today I feel good. Just really really slow moving due to being down for so many days and get tired really easy.
Tomorrow, Friday I will go back to work.
This has been a long sickness from the treatment. According to the Longview Kaiser, not unheard of, but can happen that many days out from chemo. I think I am on the mend!
I had been so sick and not keeping any food down since Monday night so Richard forced me to call. Of course, they want to know why you are calling Portland and not Longview blah blah blah.(so far, for this entire situation, I am really fed up with Kaiser and how they treat everyone, decent insurance coverage but customer service stinks) So the nurse on the phone goes over a list of questions that takes about 20 minutes, has me take my temperature while on the phone with her and says to eat a little bit of the BRAT diet. Bananas (which I dislike everything about them), Rice, Applesauce and Toast. to try a little of those foods, take a medication I have a little bit left of and to lay on my right side since the stomach empties out better on the right.(never heard of that one before). So I try it. Spent a rough night waking up every hour still feeling bad.
Got up yesterday (Wed) morning and was still puking. So I have Richard call the Longview Kaiser and they were much nicer. Gave some helpful solutions, like no full strength juice because its too sugary on an empty stomach - I had been drinking orange juice ,the peppermint candies I was eating because the peppermint sounded and felt soothing wasn't the best either, .....as was the pizza (it sounded really good and tasted really good!) I had for lunch on Monday was probably not the wisest choice of food,so no greasy foods, no sugary foods and they prescribed some more meds. Had me put one of the meds under my tongue rather than swallow it, that way it can't be thrown up. This was the key. This helped I would say within the hour. For dinner I had some white rice with just a little BBQ pork on it for some protein and a little teryakki sauce.. not the best tasting but it was food. And since I had not had real food, only saltines, some tortilla chips and ginger ale for almost two days it tasted pretty good.!
Today I am suppose to call them back and let them know how I am doing and how the meds are working. Today I feel good. Just really really slow moving due to being down for so many days and get tired really easy.
Tomorrow, Friday I will go back to work.
This has been a long sickness from the treatment. According to the Longview Kaiser, not unheard of, but can happen that many days out from chemo. I think I am on the mend!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Melt Down and Sick Today
Last night I had a melt down. Was a crying mess. I want the chemo to be over with. Wish I would have just done the radiation. Want the feeling sick part to go away. I don't want to walk past a mirror and see either me with a wig on, or me with a hat on or bald. I want my hair back. I want my old life back. I am tired of the Doctors and the appointments. Tired of having to be careful of what eat, who I am around, how much energy is what I am doing going to take, how tired I am.
After my loving husband re-assured me that we are doing really well, a trooper as my mom says I am, and we will make it through this, we are half way with the chemo, he than says its OK to have to cry about it once in a while, it is scary, and it is tough. It could be worse and I know that. I know he is going through this too and must be scared. Its not easy to watch someone you love be sick.
Spent an OK night, but woke up this morning and had to throw up. Richard thinks I might have over did it a little bit yesterday and now I am paying for it. So no work again today. I am afraid to eat anything but yet feel hungry. What a triangle!
After my loving husband re-assured me that we are doing really well, a trooper as my mom says I am, and we will make it through this, we are half way with the chemo, he than says its OK to have to cry about it once in a while, it is scary, and it is tough. It could be worse and I know that. I know he is going through this too and must be scared. Its not easy to watch someone you love be sick.
Spent an OK night, but woke up this morning and had to throw up. Richard thinks I might have over did it a little bit yesterday and now I am paying for it. So no work again today. I am afraid to eat anything but yet feel hungry. What a triangle!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Feeling ok
Today is Saturday and I am feeling just OK. Just a little tired so took a 2 hour nap. I feel like I am waiting for the sickness to start. I don't have much ambition and am afraid to do too much . Nothing like waiting to be sick.
Usually Saturday is one of my worst days, so this is a little odd that I don't feel sick yet. Not that I am complaining about not being sick!
Usually Saturday is one of my worst days, so this is a little odd that I don't feel sick yet. Not that I am complaining about not being sick!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Half Way Done With Chemo Round 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yesterday June 3rd was my treatment day. I tried getting Richard to drive the opposite direction, I even suggested we go garage saleing (i don't do garage sales) anything but take me to Kaiser......This is the fourth of eight treatments. I am now half way done with chemo.!!!!Yippee.
When I met with Dr. Richert-Boe, we talked about my blood counts. She said I am not even close to having low counts, that its pretty unusual but I am doing really well. Hugged me and told me to go pick out a chair.(the chemo chair I will be sitting in for the next few hours) Said the next two drugs I take for the next 4 treatments should be easier on me.
Got around the corner into the infusion room, it was right at 9:30am and there was only lady at the far end. So I picked the opposite end. Richard was with me and my mom showed up not to much longer, maybe around 10am. Richard left and my mom stayed with me the entire time. Then about 40 minutes before being done, Brenda came to visit. It was the first time she had come to see me there.
It seemed like a long day, got there a little before 9 for my Dr. appt and left just before 1pm.
Got home, and went to bed for a couple hours. As the evening rolled along, I got to feeling really sick to my stomach. Made myself stay up until 9:30. Slept well but woke up a lot feeling like I wanted to puke but never did.
Woke up this morning and felt pretty good. Made breakfast for Richard and I . But than I felt worn out so took a two hour nap, and have been taking it easy today. just watching some TV. The nurses both told me that last time I probably did to much the day after chemo and to take it easy this time. We will see how I feel later in the evening, and tomorrow , usually Saturday has been my worse day.
When I met with Dr. Richert-Boe, we talked about my blood counts. She said I am not even close to having low counts, that its pretty unusual but I am doing really well. Hugged me and told me to go pick out a chair.(the chemo chair I will be sitting in for the next few hours) Said the next two drugs I take for the next 4 treatments should be easier on me.
Got around the corner into the infusion room, it was right at 9:30am and there was only lady at the far end. So I picked the opposite end. Richard was with me and my mom showed up not to much longer, maybe around 10am. Richard left and my mom stayed with me the entire time. Then about 40 minutes before being done, Brenda came to visit. It was the first time she had come to see me there.
It seemed like a long day, got there a little before 9 for my Dr. appt and left just before 1pm.
Got home, and went to bed for a couple hours. As the evening rolled along, I got to feeling really sick to my stomach. Made myself stay up until 9:30. Slept well but woke up a lot feeling like I wanted to puke but never did.
Woke up this morning and felt pretty good. Made breakfast for Richard and I . But than I felt worn out so took a two hour nap, and have been taking it easy today. just watching some TV. The nurses both told me that last time I probably did to much the day after chemo and to take it easy this time. We will see how I feel later in the evening, and tomorrow , usually Saturday has been my worse day.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Lost My Wig!!!
Today I decided to go for a massage after work. I had mentioned to Kris that I was afraid I would be on my front side and my wig would fall off onto the floor. This was the first massage I have ever had. After filling out the paper work, the girl asked me about my cancer. I told her that tomorrow is my half way through chemo.
At one point, Are you ready for this: I was on my back and the lady was rubbing the back of my neck. All of a sudden I thought I could feel my wig moving up the back of my neck. At that moment, the lady says to me, " um, your hair..."
I didn't know what to say, so just said, " oh let me take it off."!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and I laid it on my stomach.
How embarrassing is that? I didn't know what else to say or do! And I am pretty sure this was the fist time she had someones wig come off!
At one point, Are you ready for this: I was on my back and the lady was rubbing the back of my neck. All of a sudden I thought I could feel my wig moving up the back of my neck. At that moment, the lady says to me, " um, your hair..."
I didn't know what to say, so just said, " oh let me take it off."!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and I laid it on my stomach.
How embarrassing is that? I didn't know what else to say or do! And I am pretty sure this was the fist time she had someones wig come off!
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