Thursday July 1st was one of my first weekly appointments for the medicine Herceptin.
It took a full 2 hours from the time I got there to the time I left.
This drug is not a chemo drug and until my chemo treatments are done, I will be getting this med every Thursday. I am going to try to go on my lunch hour to cut down on my sick FMLA time away from work for part of the appointment.
I did really well. I was expecting to have some sickness since the most common side effect is flu like symptoms. However, I didn't feel sick at all.
For the timing on this first appointment I was a really watching it since the next day on Friday July 2nd was the beginning of our three day District Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses in Portland which is about an hour drive to get there. And I was leery that I would be sick and not be able to go, or have to leave early. My goal was to make it to my seat and stay put. However, I am not feeling any sickness so have been happy!
Once my chemo that is every three weeks is done (the end of August), than this Herceptin medicine I will get every three weeks for a year.
And I am starting to lose my eyelashes and eyebrows now. I bought some fake eyelashes but haven't tried them yet!
One of the side effects of my new chemo drug, Taxol, is hair loss. So I am pretty sure I will lose the rest of them.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Round 5 sickness
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.
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.
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.
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