Tuesday was a longer day than usual. It took 5 hours this time. Mainly because the lab was backed up and the pharmacy was out to lunch. I drove myself back and forth to the Cancer Center. Lauren and Scott took an extra hour or so off at lunch time and sat with me while I received the chemo. We played a little cards and talked. It is so wonderful to have my family surround me with love and comfort. I feel Ron and I have done a great job raising our children. They are truly caring individuals.
Tuesday night Lauren and I went back to the Cancer Center and took a seminar on "Look Good, Feel Better". The American Cancer Society facilitated this 2 hour seminar. It contained information about cancer treatments, tying scarves, wigs, putting on makeup, and feeling good about yourself. It was very helpful and many cosmetic companies even donated a bag of makeup to each patient. We walked away with my face glamoured up with new makeup and Lauren demonstrating how to apply most of the makeup. I am thrilled Lauren is spending time with me during this process. Our relationship has reached a new level. Looking good and feeling great!!!
Last Friday, my Chicagoland sisters and sister-in-law met me in Oakbrook at the American Cancer Society and tried on wigs. They had many to choose from and lots of colors. I brought in a few treats for us and the volunteers to make it more of a party atmosphere. We decided on one that looked most like my own hair. I took it home that day. It is a synthetic wig and I am hoping it will stay on and not itch. I still have my own hair so it is hard to tell the fit. I just can't believe I was wig shopping. You all know how I hate shopping...period. I was so pleased to have my sisterhood surround me and lift me up for that appointment.
As I stated, I still have not lost my hair. From what I understand most people lose their hair between the 2nd and 3rd chemo treatment. I may be one of the lucky ones that do not loose my hair at all. Time will tell on that front. I am feeling good. Little jittery and flushed and not sleeping, but overall very well. I have started the elliptical 45 minutes a day. I figure I should keep my strength up.
I am so blessed to have so many family and friends in my life.
Joanie
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
#2 Ditto!!
2 down 10 to go...
The treatment session on Tuesday was only 3 1/2 hours. No waiting in the lab to get the blood work results back make the time go faster. I get the thumbs up OK to receive the chemo....blood counts are good. The steroids, benedryl, taxol, herceptin all follow through the IV lines into my port one at a time. And before you know it I am ready to leave. It is as simple as that. I relax in a chair, read a book, watch tv, or just rest.
Wednesday I took Jordan for a walk. Orrrr should I say Jordan took me for a mile walk, then I took her the other 2 miles. Yes, I was well enough for a 3 mile hike. It was such a beautiful day here and probably the last til spring. So, yes, I had to get out. As long as I feel well, I am going to keep moving. Tomorrow is another day with snow in the forecast...I will be sleeping in. Brrrrr COLD!
On Friday, my sisters and I will be going to the American Cancer Society in Oakbrook to take a look at wigs. I plan on bringing some wine and comfort food. Having my sisters there will be quite a riot. It will be like dressing up when we were younger, putting on plays. I will keep you posted, maybe even take a picture or two.
All is well. God is Good.
Joanie
The treatment session on Tuesday was only 3 1/2 hours. No waiting in the lab to get the blood work results back make the time go faster. I get the thumbs up OK to receive the chemo....blood counts are good. The steroids, benedryl, taxol, herceptin all follow through the IV lines into my port one at a time. And before you know it I am ready to leave. It is as simple as that. I relax in a chair, read a book, watch tv, or just rest.
Wednesday I took Jordan for a walk. Orrrr should I say Jordan took me for a mile walk, then I took her the other 2 miles. Yes, I was well enough for a 3 mile hike. It was such a beautiful day here and probably the last til spring. So, yes, I had to get out. As long as I feel well, I am going to keep moving. Tomorrow is another day with snow in the forecast...I will be sleeping in. Brrrrr COLD!
On Friday, my sisters and I will be going to the American Cancer Society in Oakbrook to take a look at wigs. I plan on bringing some wine and comfort food. Having my sisters there will be quite a riot. It will be like dressing up when we were younger, putting on plays. I will keep you posted, maybe even take a picture or two.
All is well. God is Good.
Joanie
Saturday, January 7, 2012
All Going Well
Just a short note to tell you I am doing JUST fine with no side effects thus far....
1 down and 11 to go. All went very smoothly and took 5 hours. I saw Dr. Hantel first and he went over my results of the blood work and echo cardiogram. All were great. He explained the side effects I may experience and probably down the line as my treatments continue they will show their ugly face. He said I may not have the mouth sores I was afraid of nor the nails falling off...with that news I was relieved already. I will be seeing Dr. Hantel every third week of treatments. I AM ready to start the treatments.
They put Ron & I in a private room because the nurse had to explain the treatments, the medicines, and the side effects. They have another nurse double check the medications they give me as well as in the lab it is checked twice. I feel secure in the fact that they will not make any mistakes. It was not extremely busy in the rooms, she said they usually come in the morning and get their treatments done and continue their days. I moved the day to Tues mornings as that is best for Ron's schedule. The medicines did not affect me at all, but I could tell when the benedryl was pushed through cuz I got tired, but did not sleep. Ron and I talked most of the time, then he put on a DVD of Al Cappone. Ask me any questions about him, I may have the answers. haha
The staff makes you feel very comfortable and the nurse even had me get up and see the sunset today...it was beautiful!!! A volunteer and her dog came to visit me as well. There are numerous classes such as nutrition, yoga, and reike classes and many informational resources available to me. I plan on registering several of the classes.
I feel I am in very good hands at the Cancer Center in Naperville. I saw a lady today complete her 12th chemo and it was her birthday, she had several people with her and there must have been a party because I got one of the cupcakes, double chocolate yum. I later found out that "this lady" was one of Chris' friend's mom....smalll world.
As you can see I feel great today and hope for a great week. I will probably start working out on Ron's elliptical this month then hopefully get back in the gym I joined in May.
Thanks for all the concern and prayers.
1 down and 11 to go. All went very smoothly and took 5 hours. I saw Dr. Hantel first and he went over my results of the blood work and echo cardiogram. All were great. He explained the side effects I may experience and probably down the line as my treatments continue they will show their ugly face. He said I may not have the mouth sores I was afraid of nor the nails falling off...with that news I was relieved already. I will be seeing Dr. Hantel every third week of treatments. I AM ready to start the treatments.
They put Ron & I in a private room because the nurse had to explain the treatments, the medicines, and the side effects. They have another nurse double check the medications they give me as well as in the lab it is checked twice. I feel secure in the fact that they will not make any mistakes. It was not extremely busy in the rooms, she said they usually come in the morning and get their treatments done and continue their days. I moved the day to Tues mornings as that is best for Ron's schedule. The medicines did not affect me at all, but I could tell when the benedryl was pushed through cuz I got tired, but did not sleep. Ron and I talked most of the time, then he put on a DVD of Al Cappone. Ask me any questions about him, I may have the answers. haha
The staff makes you feel very comfortable and the nurse even had me get up and see the sunset today...it was beautiful!!! A volunteer and her dog came to visit me as well. There are numerous classes such as nutrition, yoga, and reike classes and many informational resources available to me. I plan on registering several of the classes.
I feel I am in very good hands at the Cancer Center in Naperville. I saw a lady today complete her 12th chemo and it was her birthday, she had several people with her and there must have been a party because I got one of the cupcakes, double chocolate yum. I later found out that "this lady" was one of Chris' friend's mom....smalll world.
As you can see I feel great today and hope for a great week. I will probably start working out on Ron's elliptical this month then hopefully get back in the gym I joined in May.
Thanks for all the concern and prayers.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
"God Does All Things Well"
I hope everyone had a Blessed Christmas and New Years. Our Christmas was intimate and full of laughter. All the kids came over for our traditional morning quiche (that wasn't done on time-a lesson I learned very well from my mom). The gifts were very meaningful and thoughtful. We are so blessed to have our loved ones around us during the holidays. We went to Sue and Duke's house in the late afternoon and enjoyed time with those that live in Chicagoland area. It was wonderful to see the nieces and nephews and now their children too. My brothers, sisters and my late sister's girls from afar (and all their spouses) presented me with a Gift of Love that will carry me through the chemo experience. The love and support that I get from them is overwhelming and always present. For that I am most thankful for. I love you all.
Ron and I went to interview the oncology doctor at University of Chicago. She layed out the same plan as the oncology doctor in Naperville. So we have decided to do the treatment in Naperville, since I really liked Dr. Hantel and his bedside manner, plus it is close to home.
On last Wednesday, I went in for the port placement. It was an hour long and all went well as expected. The port is a size of a quarter underneath the skin below my clavicle a half inch thick and is joined to the vein by a catheter. A bit bothersome but an easy access than always poking at my veins for the year-long treatments I am scheduled to receive. As we are walking up the stairs to our home, I was thinking that this is the 6th time I have needed help coming up the stairs with sedation in my system in the last 2 1/2 months. And really hoping that this will be my last procedure/surgery.
New Years was also very nice and intimate with our friends from high school at a fabulous dinner party in Elmhurst. The 4 other couples have known Ron and I for 38-41 years. We have seen all of us raise our children, have struggles in life, and shared in their joys. None of our children have married yet, and thankfully none of us have been in poor health. For that we are all thankful and raised our glasses to the toast of 2012 and good health.
Now I come to the point that I am receiving my first chemo treatment today at 12:45. What I am feeling is some anxiety and nervousness of the unknown. How will my body react to this poison that is entering my veins? I wish that I didn't have to go through this, but I know it is the right course of action. I sorta wished that I went to see the Cancer Center before the treatment so that I know what to expect. I am visualizing an open room with IV lines hanging above many chairs. I think my first reaction would be that there will be very sick people in those chairs and that I will feel really sorry for them and what they are going through. Right now, I don't feel like I am one of them. My story will not be like theirs. That I am only doing this as a precaution. I DO NOT look or feel like a cancer patient...at least not yet.
I have been receiving so many compliments that I look great. I feel great!!! I have recovered from surgery very well. But what I really feel is that the glow from me is God radiating from my soul. I have given myself fully to this adventure of paying attention to His Presence in my life. I trust in Him. And He will carry me forward. I was at a memorial this past week, and the message from the priest was that "God Does All Things Well". No matter if you think He has done you wrong/taken a loved one from you, He has done it according to His plan. With all His Power and Glory, I have confidence and peace. God Does All Things WELL.
Thank you to my families and friends. The support and kindness is appreciated and carries me forward in these next 12 weeks.
Joanie
Ron and I went to interview the oncology doctor at University of Chicago. She layed out the same plan as the oncology doctor in Naperville. So we have decided to do the treatment in Naperville, since I really liked Dr. Hantel and his bedside manner, plus it is close to home.
On last Wednesday, I went in for the port placement. It was an hour long and all went well as expected. The port is a size of a quarter underneath the skin below my clavicle a half inch thick and is joined to the vein by a catheter. A bit bothersome but an easy access than always poking at my veins for the year-long treatments I am scheduled to receive. As we are walking up the stairs to our home, I was thinking that this is the 6th time I have needed help coming up the stairs with sedation in my system in the last 2 1/2 months. And really hoping that this will be my last procedure/surgery.
New Years was also very nice and intimate with our friends from high school at a fabulous dinner party in Elmhurst. The 4 other couples have known Ron and I for 38-41 years. We have seen all of us raise our children, have struggles in life, and shared in their joys. None of our children have married yet, and thankfully none of us have been in poor health. For that we are all thankful and raised our glasses to the toast of 2012 and good health.
Now I come to the point that I am receiving my first chemo treatment today at 12:45. What I am feeling is some anxiety and nervousness of the unknown. How will my body react to this poison that is entering my veins? I wish that I didn't have to go through this, but I know it is the right course of action. I sorta wished that I went to see the Cancer Center before the treatment so that I know what to expect. I am visualizing an open room with IV lines hanging above many chairs. I think my first reaction would be that there will be very sick people in those chairs and that I will feel really sorry for them and what they are going through. Right now, I don't feel like I am one of them. My story will not be like theirs. That I am only doing this as a precaution. I DO NOT look or feel like a cancer patient...at least not yet.
I have been receiving so many compliments that I look great. I feel great!!! I have recovered from surgery very well. But what I really feel is that the glow from me is God radiating from my soul. I have given myself fully to this adventure of paying attention to His Presence in my life. I trust in Him. And He will carry me forward. I was at a memorial this past week, and the message from the priest was that "God Does All Things Well". No matter if you think He has done you wrong/taken a loved one from you, He has done it according to His plan. With all His Power and Glory, I have confidence and peace. God Does All Things WELL.
Thank you to my families and friends. The support and kindness is appreciated and carries me forward in these next 12 weeks.
Joanie
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