I had my 14th dose of chemo yesterday. It went really well. No side effects to speak of except bloody noses and tiredness.
My insurance is still refusing to pay for the Cymbalta (to help with the numbness). So now I have to try Celexa. Then if that fails the insurance will finally pay for the Cymbalta.
I'm still very frustrated with my hands and feet. That causes me not to be able to do simple daily tasks by myself.
I am very thankful that my overall health seems to be pretty good and that the chemo has really been gentle on me.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Some good news...
NO new cancer, everything in the liver shrunk. Now I do chemo every 3 weeks instead of 2, and it's avastin only, which I tolerate well. I get to do this until January! Then another CAT scan. I'm so excited. I also got a prescription for my numbness in my hands and feet. I hope it works.
I have trouble typing so this is short.
I have trouble typing so this is short.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Frustration....
It seems like no matter what I try this neuropathy gets worse every day. My feet are 80% numb, with my big toe and the toe next to it totally numb. My fingers are 80% numb too. I can feel a little sensation, but not much. Things that I could normally do that I can't now.....Undo and do my bra, open lids, walk normal, among other things. I have trouble doing the girls hair, doing up my pants etc. It drives me nuts. My arms and hands are also weak. I have a tough time even making a fist. I was so frustrated the other night I broke down and had a good meltdown. But on the upside, besides fatigue it is really my only other side effect that really bugs me.
A good note: My CAT scan was good. I will know more Tuesday, but I was told no new cancer and the tumors in my liver shrunk again. YAY! I should also find out if I am going to receive Y-90 radiation, and what kind of Chemo I will be on now. Lots of unanswered questions will be answered. Nervous but excited.
AND!.... I got my 40th birthday present early: Nice huh? I have always wanted one, it's my dream car.
A good note: My CAT scan was good. I will know more Tuesday, but I was told no new cancer and the tumors in my liver shrunk again. YAY! I should also find out if I am going to receive Y-90 radiation, and what kind of Chemo I will be on now. Lots of unanswered questions will be answered. Nervous but excited.
AND!.... I got my 40th birthday present early: Nice huh? I have always wanted one, it's my dream car.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
These side effects really suck....
My feet are totally numb. My calfs are semi-numb. My finger tips are numb. I've almost fallen 3 times today. I'd better just stay on my butt. Other side effects I have - Pain, swelling, and redness of the mouth, tongue, and throat “Coated tongue”.Numbness or tingling feeling in the hands or feet ,Muscle cramps,Loss of balance,Difficulty buttoning buttons or picking up objects, Decreased awareness of heat or cold in fingertips and toes. Cracked and peeling skin. Bloody and runny nose. Darkening of the fingers and nails. Loss of appetite, change in taste buds. Weakness, and feeling cold. All around Ditsyness (Chemo-Brain).
In ways the FOLFOX regimen has been easy on me. I still have my hair, haven't thrown up. I have minimal nausea. My blood tests have always come back good. Along with my blood pressure and other things, all normal.
The worst side effects are the neuropathy that causes the nerve damage which equals numbness, and the fatigue. The first few days after chemo I just want to sleep 24/7.
I have already been taken off the oxaliplatin. I am seriously thinking of having the oncologist take me off of the 5-FU also. I only am scheduled for one more dose, but I cannot even think about this numbness getting worse.
When I went in for chemo on Tuesday, Dr. S (my oncologist) told me he has been talking to Dr.H (the radiologist) about going ahead with the Y-90 radiation treatment. I will know more on Oct 2nd when I go get my LAST chemo treatment of this regimen, #12! I think I may throw a party. The Dr. has promised to make it easier on me for the holidays. I am assuming (which I shouldn't do) that I will be kept on the avastin for quite a while.
In ways the FOLFOX regimen has been easy on me. I still have my hair, haven't thrown up. I have minimal nausea. My blood tests have always come back good. Along with my blood pressure and other things, all normal.
The worst side effects are the neuropathy that causes the nerve damage which equals numbness, and the fatigue. The first few days after chemo I just want to sleep 24/7.
I have already been taken off the oxaliplatin. I am seriously thinking of having the oncologist take me off of the 5-FU also. I only am scheduled for one more dose, but I cannot even think about this numbness getting worse.
When I went in for chemo on Tuesday, Dr. S (my oncologist) told me he has been talking to Dr.H (the radiologist) about going ahead with the Y-90 radiation treatment. I will know more on Oct 2nd when I go get my LAST chemo treatment of this regimen, #12! I think I may throw a party. The Dr. has promised to make it easier on me for the holidays. I am assuming (which I shouldn't do) that I will be kept on the avastin for quite a while.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Lucky...
I’m one of the luckiest people I know.
Uh, Lisa? Um, you have stage IV incurable cancer. Remember that?
Yes… yes, I do.
Know what else I have?
A wonderful husband that I love with all of my heart, and he loves me back.
2 sons, who are more than awesome.
2 beautiful daughters, who I adore.
More wonderful friends than I can count.
Church members and friends who bring me and my family meals on my chemo weeks.
My hair.
My sanity (this is questionable..lol)
The love of crafting.
An ear for good music (well I think it's good)
A house that is a home, and I'd rather be there than anywhere else.
Animals that keep me company.
A job that has been so wonderful and flexible with me.
Hope for a cure.
Even though I may die (of course every is eventually) before I see old age, I am so glad for the things that I have, and the life that I have lived. And when It is my time, I have a son, a father and lots of other folks waiting to greet me. And then I will be the one waiting for those I left behind. I'm not afraid to die. I just don't want to leave my husband and kids. I don't want to cause anyone pain, or leave Jared to raise our kids alone. Therefore,I have no plans to die in the near future. I need at least another 39 years, maybe more ;)
Know what else I have?
Thursday, September 6, 2012
I can't believe it's September....
Crazy how fast times goes by. I'm so glad the kids are in school :) and that fall is on it's way. I love fall. I'm glad I'm here to enjoy another one.
I get my lovely fanny pack off today. I'm so glad. Now I have a week and a half to recover from Chemo until I have another dose. Two more left of this regimen. Then another CAT scan. I am hoping to have more good news.
My hands and feet are still numb. The Dr. is considering putting me on Cymbalta. It's actually an anti depressant, but for some reason it works for nerve damage. It's up to me. I could have had it this time but I really don't like taking pills. But I may have to do it. Sometimes I feel like Frankenstein when I walk. My feet feel so heavy, and fat...but they aren't. They are actually looking thin and bone-y. I lost a little more weight, but my red blood cells are getting better. My white blood cells are fine. Blood pressure is great. I really have no serious side effects at all. Which is a huge blessing. And best of all....I still haven't thrown up. I hate throwing up with a passion.
The ladies from the church bring me dinners from Tuesday to Friday on my Chemo weeks. It really is a huge blessing not having to worry about making dinner when I am so drained. And it's nice to see people who genuinely care about me. People that I don't expect come out of the woodwork. And then there are some people who I thought would be a great support that I don't even hear from. It's interesting what you learn about people. But I do know that I have a great support system and some wonderful friends. I wish there was something else I could do besides saying Thank you.
Jared has been wonderful throughout this whole thing. I don't know what I would do without him. The kids are doing good. Joshua is working two jobs, Dallin is in hunting mode and will be until the end of the year. He is saving up from his bird feeding job to buy a bigger bow. Baylee is loving 6th grade and is going to be cheerleading. Tyleigh is loving her teacher and enjoying being with her "crew" at school. I still haven't taken back to school pictures. I should get on that.
We are also so glad that football season is here again. We love college football. GO BSU!
I get my lovely fanny pack off today. I'm so glad. Now I have a week and a half to recover from Chemo until I have another dose. Two more left of this regimen. Then another CAT scan. I am hoping to have more good news.
My hands and feet are still numb. The Dr. is considering putting me on Cymbalta. It's actually an anti depressant, but for some reason it works for nerve damage. It's up to me. I could have had it this time but I really don't like taking pills. But I may have to do it. Sometimes I feel like Frankenstein when I walk. My feet feel so heavy, and fat...but they aren't. They are actually looking thin and bone-y. I lost a little more weight, but my red blood cells are getting better. My white blood cells are fine. Blood pressure is great. I really have no serious side effects at all. Which is a huge blessing. And best of all....I still haven't thrown up. I hate throwing up with a passion.
The ladies from the church bring me dinners from Tuesday to Friday on my Chemo weeks. It really is a huge blessing not having to worry about making dinner when I am so drained. And it's nice to see people who genuinely care about me. People that I don't expect come out of the woodwork. And then there are some people who I thought would be a great support that I don't even hear from. It's interesting what you learn about people. But I do know that I have a great support system and some wonderful friends. I wish there was something else I could do besides saying Thank you.
Jared has been wonderful throughout this whole thing. I don't know what I would do without him. The kids are doing good. Joshua is working two jobs, Dallin is in hunting mode and will be until the end of the year. He is saving up from his bird feeding job to buy a bigger bow. Baylee is loving 6th grade and is going to be cheerleading. Tyleigh is loving her teacher and enjoying being with her "crew" at school. I still haven't taken back to school pictures. I should get on that.
We are also so glad that football season is here again. We love college football. GO BSU!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Countdown to Chemo #10
So it's Saturday. Feeling pretty good except for the cold that someone brought to me. I guess people just don't realize they need to keep their distance from me if they are sick. My immune system is compromised enough without someone bringing me germs. I make the kids wash their hands or use hand sanitizer as soon as they walk through the door.
The numbness is driving me batty! My feet and hands don't want to work like I want them to and it gets aggravating. I have some weird things that happen to me too, that have to do with Chemo I hope. Like from the bottom of my head down my back my body does this thing like I have the chills but minus the goose bumps. It's odd and hard to describe, but I am going to try and explain it to my oncologist on Tuesday. And I'm numb other places too. Like like my butt cheeks....LOL And sometimes my tongue. It makes it so things don't taste right. That really bites.
The boys are hunting again, so it's just the girls and I. It's fun with just the girls, but I miss my boys. I will be glad when they get something.
But life is good. No more complaining, at least for the day :)
There is one boy here...my puppy Joey (or Joe Joe)...LOL
I'm going try going back to work on the 10th. I hope my brain works well enough to remember how to help the customers ;)
The numbness is driving me batty! My feet and hands don't want to work like I want them to and it gets aggravating. I have some weird things that happen to me too, that have to do with Chemo I hope. Like from the bottom of my head down my back my body does this thing like I have the chills but minus the goose bumps. It's odd and hard to describe, but I am going to try and explain it to my oncologist on Tuesday. And I'm numb other places too. Like like my butt cheeks....LOL And sometimes my tongue. It makes it so things don't taste right. That really bites.
The boys are hunting again, so it's just the girls and I. It's fun with just the girls, but I miss my boys. I will be glad when they get something.
But life is good. No more complaining, at least for the day :)
There is one boy here...my puppy Joey (or Joe Joe)...LOL
I'm going try going back to work on the 10th. I hope my brain works well enough to remember how to help the customers ;)
Thursday, August 23, 2012
9 down, 3 to go...
Done with chemo #9. Only 3 more to go. Feeling sort 0f crappy. Feet and hands are numb still. I was told by my DR it could last 2 years. Ugg. Fatigued, a little nausea but not bad. Just all around feeling weird.
Hopefully I feel better tomorrow. The boys are going hunting, and the girls and I are having a girls weekend.
Feeling a little discouraged today. Tomorrow will be better.
Hopefully I feel better tomorrow. The boys are going hunting, and the girls and I are having a girls weekend.
Feeling a little discouraged today. Tomorrow will be better.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Latest news....
I just got back from Meridian, seeing Dr. Handley.
It looks like for now, we will put the Y-90 (Y-90 microsphere radioembolization ) on hold. Until the chemo no longer works to control the cancer. As soon as it starts to grow instead of shrink, we will do it.
I will discuss this with my oncologist, Dr. Swerdlof on Tuesday. He may want to push it forward and have me do it sooner than later. The two Dr.s are going to consult with each other and then decide for sure, but Dr. Handley thinks we should hold off.
BUT it looks like I am a candidate for the procedure, which is wonderful news. And they can do this procedure more than once! And it is minimally evasive, and causes only a few bearable side effects. I am excited. But hopefully the Chemo works for a long time and I won't be doing this for a while. But if it's sooner, I am ready for it.
First they do a special kind of CAT scan. They map my veins. Second I come in and they do an angiogram type procedure, They go in my femural artery, and travel into the hepatic artery. This artery does 90% of the tumor feeding, while the liver receives most of its nutrients through the portal vein. They give me a small dose of the "test beads". They make sure they are going to travel to the right place. They also block some blood vessels so that the beads don't travel to the intestines, stomach or lungs. They are 1/3 the circumference of a human hair. During the actual procedure they inject millions of beads.
This should increase my time before tumors grow again by 6 months, compared with Chemo without this procedure.
"a median time to disease progression, as measured by tumor size, of 15.9 months vs. 9.7 months for those receiving Chemotherapy alone. Survival rates for the patients receiving SIR-Spheres microspheres were higher at various intervals than for those just receiving Chemo.
I still don't like the survival rates:
"72 percent vs. 68 percent at one year; 39 percent vs. 29 percent at two years; 17 percent vs. 6 percent at three years; and 3.5 percent vs. zero percent at five years."
But those are statistics for other people. Not me.
Here's a little video (cartoon) of the procedure. http://www.sirtex.com/video/usa_see_how_sir_spheres_video_flash.cfm
I'm doing good. The only side effects I feel are Fatigue, numbness in my hands and feet, dizziness. Other than that I have a little bit of nausea. Still haven't thrown up yet...YAY ME!
Prayers are always great. I'm gonna beat this. Then I will be a "poster child" for Kicking Cancers Butt.
It looks like for now, we will put the Y-90 (Y-90 microsphere radioembolization ) on hold. Until the chemo no longer works to control the cancer. As soon as it starts to grow instead of shrink, we will do it.
I will discuss this with my oncologist, Dr. Swerdlof on Tuesday. He may want to push it forward and have me do it sooner than later. The two Dr.s are going to consult with each other and then decide for sure, but Dr. Handley thinks we should hold off.
BUT it looks like I am a candidate for the procedure, which is wonderful news. And they can do this procedure more than once! And it is minimally evasive, and causes only a few bearable side effects. I am excited. But hopefully the Chemo works for a long time and I won't be doing this for a while. But if it's sooner, I am ready for it.
First they do a special kind of CAT scan. They map my veins. Second I come in and they do an angiogram type procedure, They go in my femural artery, and travel into the hepatic artery. This artery does 90% of the tumor feeding, while the liver receives most of its nutrients through the portal vein. They give me a small dose of the "test beads". They make sure they are going to travel to the right place. They also block some blood vessels so that the beads don't travel to the intestines, stomach or lungs. They are 1/3 the circumference of a human hair. During the actual procedure they inject millions of beads.
This should increase my time before tumors grow again by 6 months, compared with Chemo without this procedure.
"a median time to disease progression, as measured by tumor size, of 15.9 months vs. 9.7 months for those receiving Chemotherapy alone. Survival rates for the patients receiving SIR-Spheres microspheres were higher at various intervals than for those just receiving Chemo.
I still don't like the survival rates:
"72 percent vs. 68 percent at one year; 39 percent vs. 29 percent at two years; 17 percent vs. 6 percent at three years; and 3.5 percent vs. zero percent at five years."
But those are statistics for other people. Not me.
Here's a little video (cartoon) of the procedure. http://www.sirtex.com/video/usa_see_how_sir_spheres_video_flash.cfm
I'm doing good. The only side effects I feel are Fatigue, numbness in my hands and feet, dizziness. Other than that I have a little bit of nausea. Still haven't thrown up yet...YAY ME!
Prayers are always great. I'm gonna beat this. Then I will be a "poster child" for Kicking Cancers Butt.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Chemo #8
So I get my Chemo ball taken off in a few hours. It hasn't been too bad. Just a bit of light-headedness and some fatigue.
I should be getting a phone call today from Dr. Handley's office. He is the surgeon who does the y-90 procedure I talked about in a previous post. You can look him up here.... http://www.boiseradiology.com/Radiologists/InterventionalRadiology.aspx
He is last on the list.
I will have a face to face consultation with him, and find out if I am a candidate for y-90. I hope I am. I would love to get it done, and finish my 12 rounds of Chemo, and maybe have some off time for the holidays. I would love to go home to California and visit my mom and the rest of my family. My mom is 81 and I really need to go see her. You never know what tomorrow brings.
The kids start school on the 22nd. Luckily we are all done with school clothes and school supply shopping!
I am having a party on the 17th. Scentsy, jewelry, pigging out, bunco. Everyone is invited. 6-10 at my house.
I am planning on having a coming off Chemo party in the future too!
Thank you for all the prayers/ meals/ positive thoughts. They help more than you will ever know.
I should be getting a phone call today from Dr. Handley's office. He is the surgeon who does the y-90 procedure I talked about in a previous post. You can look him up here.... http://www.boiseradiology.com/Radiologists/InterventionalRadiology.aspx
He is last on the list.
I will have a face to face consultation with him, and find out if I am a candidate for y-90. I hope I am. I would love to get it done, and finish my 12 rounds of Chemo, and maybe have some off time for the holidays. I would love to go home to California and visit my mom and the rest of my family. My mom is 81 and I really need to go see her. You never know what tomorrow brings.
The kids start school on the 22nd. Luckily we are all done with school clothes and school supply shopping!
I am having a party on the 17th. Scentsy, jewelry, pigging out, bunco. Everyone is invited. 6-10 at my house.
I am planning on having a coming off Chemo party in the future too!
Thank you for all the prayers/ meals/ positive thoughts. They help more than you will ever know.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Chemo Tomorrow....
Even though I haven't had a full dose of Oxaliplatin in a month, I am still experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet. I had a couple of times when I thought I was going to throw up. Not sure if it is due to the Chemo or if I was coming down with a stomach bug, but whatever it was, my nausea medicine helped it go away.
I also had a reaction from my 5-FU that I have never had before....little blisters. I had a few in my mouth, but not too many. I also had them on the palms of my hands and the bottoms of my feet. They were painful, but still not terrible. Usually I would have Chemo today, but this week it is Wednesday for some reason. I hope that I hear about the Y-90 procedure soon, and whether I am a candidate for it.
We were at the Oregon coast for a week. The weather was wonderful, and we had a great time. I'm glad to be home though.
I also had a reaction from my 5-FU that I have never had before....little blisters. I had a few in my mouth, but not too many. I also had them on the palms of my hands and the bottoms of my feet. They were painful, but still not terrible. Usually I would have Chemo today, but this week it is Wednesday for some reason. I hope that I hear about the Y-90 procedure soon, and whether I am a candidate for it.
We were at the Oregon coast for a week. The weather was wonderful, and we had a great time. I'm glad to be home though.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
CAT scan results.....
Nothing surprising, just basically the same as the summary I was given last week. No new cancer anywhere (YAY!) And the cancer in my liver is smaller. We compared the scan from March with the new one, and the tumors are definitely shrinking.
The Dr is sending my scans to a surgeon in Boise to see if I am a candidate for a procedure called Yttrium-90 Radioembolization. Y-90 for short. You can google it, Or watch a video about it here : Y-90
I will know more about whether or not I will have this done in two weeks. I will also continue Chemo for 3 more months.
This time the Dr totally cut out the Oxylaplatin (this is the chemo that makes my hands numb, and makes it painful to eat or touch cold stuff.) The side effects are still with me even though he halved my dose last time. He does not want it to become permanent. I still got my 5FU + Leucovorin (IV+ 46 hours pump) and my avastin.
My iron level went up to 9.8...which is an awesome improvement. All my other blood levels are fine.
I am nervous for what is to come, but I am hoping that the Y-90 and the chemo will change my prognosis from non-curable to curable.
So things so far are going good. I thank everyone for their prayers :)
The Dr is sending my scans to a surgeon in Boise to see if I am a candidate for a procedure called Yttrium-90 Radioembolization. Y-90 for short. You can google it, Or watch a video about it here : Y-90
I will know more about whether or not I will have this done in two weeks. I will also continue Chemo for 3 more months.
This time the Dr totally cut out the Oxylaplatin (this is the chemo that makes my hands numb, and makes it painful to eat or touch cold stuff.) The side effects are still with me even though he halved my dose last time. He does not want it to become permanent. I still got my 5FU + Leucovorin (IV+ 46 hours pump) and my avastin.
My iron level went up to 9.8...which is an awesome improvement. All my other blood levels are fine.
I am nervous for what is to come, but I am hoping that the Y-90 and the chemo will change my prognosis from non-curable to curable.
So things so far are going good. I thank everyone for their prayers :)
Friday, July 20, 2012
My first "Let's see what's going on" CAT scan...
My appointment was a 8am Tuesday the 17th. I met with the CAT scan lady, she gave me a nice drink (ick) of orange soda mixed with contrast dye. The dye makes structures and organs easier to see on the CT pictures. That was unpleasant. After a while they took me back to the room with the machine. Jackie was there from MSTI (Mountain State Tumor Institute) which is practically right next door to access my chest port so that I wouldn't have to have an IV (for more dye which is put right into the vein). She tried to access it twice. It wouldn't work. She left the second try in my chest so that I could get a chest xray to see why it wasn't working. So I had to get an IV :( but it wasn't too bad. The scan itself only took 10 minutes max. The IV dye makes you feel hot, weird and like you peed your pants. Luckily they warn you ahead of time so you don't freak out..LOL
I went and had a chest xray, and walked over to MSTI to wait for the results. I didn't have to wait long. It was in the right place. Now I was facing another surgery to have another port placed. The Chemo that I am on cannot be given with just a normal IV. I have to have a port. I was getting pretty bummed and nervous. One of the nurses, Mandy suggested that we try a new box of port needles. She had heard about some defective ones. As much as I didn't want to get jabbed again, I wanted to try. Anything to avoid surgery. Jackie took out the second needle and put in the 3rd out of the new box and TADA! It worked! I was so relieved, and so ready to go home.
So then the waiting started. Jackie said I could call MSTI the next day and they would have my results. I stalled and didn't call until Wednesday afternoon. The lady I talked to said I needed to wait until Tuesday when I had my next Chemo and my next appointment with my oncologist so he could review the results with me. Ugg. So then I started thinking the worst. Jared knew I was freaking out a little and called MSTI and asked to talk with Jackie. She pulled the results and read the summary to Jared. He handed the phone to me, and Jackie read the summary to me. The only things I remember and that actually made sense to me were "No new Mets" ( so no new cancer ) and the words "Significantly smaller". YAY! Not exactly the "we can't see any cancer anywhere" answer that I wanted. But very good news.
Tuesday I will get to get more detailed results from my doctor. But I happy with what I know so far. I hope that Tuesday will bring more good news :)
Thank you for all the prayers and positive thoughts. They are working!
I went and had a chest xray, and walked over to MSTI to wait for the results. I didn't have to wait long. It was in the right place. Now I was facing another surgery to have another port placed. The Chemo that I am on cannot be given with just a normal IV. I have to have a port. I was getting pretty bummed and nervous. One of the nurses, Mandy suggested that we try a new box of port needles. She had heard about some defective ones. As much as I didn't want to get jabbed again, I wanted to try. Anything to avoid surgery. Jackie took out the second needle and put in the 3rd out of the new box and TADA! It worked! I was so relieved, and so ready to go home.
So then the waiting started. Jackie said I could call MSTI the next day and they would have my results. I stalled and didn't call until Wednesday afternoon. The lady I talked to said I needed to wait until Tuesday when I had my next Chemo and my next appointment with my oncologist so he could review the results with me. Ugg. So then I started thinking the worst. Jared knew I was freaking out a little and called MSTI and asked to talk with Jackie. She pulled the results and read the summary to Jared. He handed the phone to me, and Jackie read the summary to me. The only things I remember and that actually made sense to me were "No new Mets" ( so no new cancer ) and the words "Significantly smaller". YAY! Not exactly the "we can't see any cancer anywhere" answer that I wanted. But very good news.
Tuesday I will get to get more detailed results from my doctor. But I happy with what I know so far. I hope that Tuesday will bring more good news :)
Thank you for all the prayers and positive thoughts. They are working!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I need to learn not to assume....
So I assumed because I was scheduled for a CAT scan that that meant the end of Chemotherapy for a while. I assumed wrong. I have 3 more months of Chemo. I was really bummed when I heard this, but oh well. I have no choice.
My neuropathy didn't fully go away in between treatments this time so they cut my dose of oxaliplatin. They also had me get Glutamine. It's a powder that I have to take 3 times a day. It should help with the neuropathy and possibly with the heart burn.
My CAT scan is scheduled for next Tuesday (the 17th). Then I have Chemo again on the 24th. Then again every two weeks until I have 12 completed.
Chemo hasn't been too bad this time. Probably because of the lower dose. But the last few times I haven't felt the effects fully until Friday. So we will see.
I will continue with what the doctor wants me to do. All I can do is put my trust in the people at MSTI (Mountain State Tumor Institute).
My neuropathy didn't fully go away in between treatments this time so they cut my dose of oxaliplatin. They also had me get Glutamine. It's a powder that I have to take 3 times a day. It should help with the neuropathy and possibly with the heart burn.
My CAT scan is scheduled for next Tuesday (the 17th). Then I have Chemo again on the 24th. Then again every two weeks until I have 12 completed.
Chemo hasn't been too bad this time. Probably because of the lower dose. But the last few times I haven't felt the effects fully until Friday. So we will see.
I will continue with what the doctor wants me to do. All I can do is put my trust in the people at MSTI (Mountain State Tumor Institute).
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Sort of Normal Today....
I am finally feeling better today, except for chest pains brought on by acid re-flux. The chemo effects my stomach, and my intestines along with just about everything else in my body. So instead of the throwing up (which I am sooooo glad I haven't done, yet) I have chest pains whenever I swallow. It feels like I am having a heart attack. But I know I'm not. I went to the MSTI clinic yesterday and got a prescription for prilosec and zantac. It helps a little. Within a few days it is supposed to help quite a bit. I hope so, because I would love to eat without having a "coronary" every time I swallow something.
My neuropathy is still bothering me, but it is getting a little better every day. I'm sipping on a cold pop right now, and as long as I just sip... it doesn't bother me much except a little tingling in my lips and tongue. I should be able to eat ice cream, maybe by tomorrow.
I am so glad I only have one more treatment. I'm not sure my body could take many more doses of this potent stuff. But really I have nothing to complain about. It could be so much worse. And in 3 weeks I am going to have my CAT scan, where they miraculously won't be able to find a single cancer cell in my body :). Because my Father in Heaven knows that it isn't time for me to be with him yet. I have sporting events to attend for the next 10 years (at least).I have sons who are going to need me to tell them whether they have picked the right girl. I have daughters that need me there to help them get ready for Prom, and weddings, and make sure their husbands are treating them like queens. I have lots of grand babies in the future that are going to need a grandma. And I have a husband who would be lost without me. I can't go anywhere. Not for at least 40 more years. No negotiations.
My neuropathy is still bothering me, but it is getting a little better every day. I'm sipping on a cold pop right now, and as long as I just sip... it doesn't bother me much except a little tingling in my lips and tongue. I should be able to eat ice cream, maybe by tomorrow.
I am so glad I only have one more treatment. I'm not sure my body could take many more doses of this potent stuff. But really I have nothing to complain about. It could be so much worse. And in 3 weeks I am going to have my CAT scan, where they miraculously won't be able to find a single cancer cell in my body :). Because my Father in Heaven knows that it isn't time for me to be with him yet. I have sporting events to attend for the next 10 years (at least).I have sons who are going to need me to tell them whether they have picked the right girl. I have daughters that need me there to help them get ready for Prom, and weddings, and make sure their husbands are treating them like queens. I have lots of grand babies in the future that are going to need a grandma. And I have a husband who would be lost without me. I can't go anywhere. Not for at least 40 more years. No negotiations.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Chemo #5
Getting Chemo isn't too bad. With the port I have in my chest, it really doesn't hurt at all. It is a little annoying sleeping with a fanny pack on for 2 nights, but I am getting used to it.
The effects from the Chemo get worse each time. It's Friday afternoon and I'm still not feeling too good. My hands are aching from the neuropathy. I just feel yucky, and tired. Nothing too bad. I can't complain too much. I'm hoping by tomorrow I'm feeling more like myself. At least I don't have all of the side effects. These are the main medicines I get along with the side effects that can happen: (Putting an * next to the effects I do have)
Side-effects of oxaliplatin treatment can potentially include:
*Neuropathy, (both an acute, reversible sensitivity to cold and numbness in the hands and feet and a chronic, possibly irreversible foot/leg, hand/arm numbness, often with deficits in proprioception)[8]
*Fatigue
*Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
Neutropenia (low number of a type of white blood cells)
Ototoxicity (hearing loss)
Extravasation if Oxaliplatin leaks from the infusion vein it may cause severe damage to the connective tissues.
Hypokalemia (low blood potassium), which is more common in women than men[9]
In addition, some patients may experience an allergic reaction to platinum-containing drugs. This is more common in women
FU-5 Possible side effects
Common
low white blood cell count with increased risk of infection
low platelet count with increased risk of bleeding
*darkening of skin and nail beds
*nausea
vomiting
*poor appetite
sores in mouth, lips, or throat
hair loss or thinning (may include face and body hair)
diarrhea
brittle nails
increased sensitivity to sun, with risk of severe sunburn
*dry, flaky, cracking skin
Less common:
darkening and hardening of vein used for giving the drug
headache
weakness
muscle aches
Rare:
trouble walking, trouble forming words, and poor coordination
irritated eyes
increased tears, watering eyes
blurred vision
heart problems (chest pain, heart attack, heart failure, changes in electrical conduction and more) that usually get better after the drug is stopped
confusion
*tingling, numbness, or swelling in the hands and feet
severe allergic reaction
death due to infection, bleeding, not being able to process the drug (DPD deficiency), or other causes
Avastin
*Scaly, peeling skin -- in up to 84 percent of people
High blood pressure (hypertension) -- up to 67 percent
Abdominal pain (stomach pain) -- up to 61 percent
*General weakness -- up to 57 percent
Infections -- up to 55 percent
Vomiting -- up to 52 percent
Upper respiratory tract infection (such as the common cold) -- up to 47 percent
*Fatigue -- up to 45 percent
*Loss of appetite -- up to 43 percent.
Constipation
*Nosebleeds
Diarrhea
Headache
Hair loss
Mouth sores
Muscle pain
Shortness of breath
*Dizziness
*Indigestion or heartburn
Changes in taste
Weight loss
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
*Nausea
*Weakness
Dehydration
Voice changes
Dry mouth
Skin sores
I'm pretty lucky that most of the side effects aren't affecting me.
My weight and my iron levels are staying the same, which is great.
I asked my oncologist what it next. I have my last scheduled chemo cycle on July 10th. Then a CAT scan around the 24th. Then we will go from there. I may be having surgery. Either to remove cancer from my liver, or I may be getting a radiation called Y-90. It stands for Yttrium-90 Radioembolization. It's basically little balls that contain radiation, that are put directly into the veins that feed the tumor. I think anyways. I haven't read about it too much.
My hope is that the tumors have shrunk enough to do a liver resection. I really haven't had any symptoms of cancer in my liver. No pain, no jaundice. If it wasn't for the CAT scan I would have no idea I had anything wrong with my liver.
I am hoping to have a little break from Chemo/surgery. But I have to do whatever I can to get rid of this.
The effects from the Chemo get worse each time. It's Friday afternoon and I'm still not feeling too good. My hands are aching from the neuropathy. I just feel yucky, and tired. Nothing too bad. I can't complain too much. I'm hoping by tomorrow I'm feeling more like myself. At least I don't have all of the side effects. These are the main medicines I get along with the side effects that can happen: (Putting an * next to the effects I do have)
Side-effects of oxaliplatin treatment can potentially include:
*Neuropathy, (both an acute, reversible sensitivity to cold and numbness in the hands and feet and a chronic, possibly irreversible foot/leg, hand/arm numbness, often with deficits in proprioception)[8]
*Fatigue
*Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
Neutropenia (low number of a type of white blood cells)
Ototoxicity (hearing loss)
Extravasation if Oxaliplatin leaks from the infusion vein it may cause severe damage to the connective tissues.
Hypokalemia (low blood potassium), which is more common in women than men[9]
In addition, some patients may experience an allergic reaction to platinum-containing drugs. This is more common in women
FU-5 Possible side effects
Common
low white blood cell count with increased risk of infection
low platelet count with increased risk of bleeding
*darkening of skin and nail beds
*nausea
vomiting
*poor appetite
sores in mouth, lips, or throat
hair loss or thinning (may include face and body hair)
diarrhea
brittle nails
increased sensitivity to sun, with risk of severe sunburn
*dry, flaky, cracking skin
Less common:
darkening and hardening of vein used for giving the drug
headache
weakness
muscle aches
Rare:
trouble walking, trouble forming words, and poor coordination
irritated eyes
increased tears, watering eyes
blurred vision
heart problems (chest pain, heart attack, heart failure, changes in electrical conduction and more) that usually get better after the drug is stopped
confusion
*tingling, numbness, or swelling in the hands and feet
severe allergic reaction
death due to infection, bleeding, not being able to process the drug (DPD deficiency), or other causes
Avastin
*Scaly, peeling skin -- in up to 84 percent of people
High blood pressure (hypertension) -- up to 67 percent
Abdominal pain (stomach pain) -- up to 61 percent
*General weakness -- up to 57 percent
Infections -- up to 55 percent
Vomiting -- up to 52 percent
Upper respiratory tract infection (such as the common cold) -- up to 47 percent
*Fatigue -- up to 45 percent
*Loss of appetite -- up to 43 percent.
Constipation
*Nosebleeds
Diarrhea
Headache
Hair loss
Mouth sores
Muscle pain
Shortness of breath
*Dizziness
*Indigestion or heartburn
Changes in taste
Weight loss
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
*Nausea
*Weakness
Dehydration
Voice changes
Dry mouth
Skin sores
I'm pretty lucky that most of the side effects aren't affecting me.
My weight and my iron levels are staying the same, which is great.
I asked my oncologist what it next. I have my last scheduled chemo cycle on July 10th. Then a CAT scan around the 24th. Then we will go from there. I may be having surgery. Either to remove cancer from my liver, or I may be getting a radiation called Y-90. It stands for Yttrium-90 Radioembolization. It's basically little balls that contain radiation, that are put directly into the veins that feed the tumor. I think anyways. I haven't read about it too much.
My hope is that the tumors have shrunk enough to do a liver resection. I really haven't had any symptoms of cancer in my liver. No pain, no jaundice. If it wasn't for the CAT scan I would have no idea I had anything wrong with my liver.
I am hoping to have a little break from Chemo/surgery. But I have to do whatever I can to get rid of this.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Chemo #4
So I had chemo again on Tuesday the 12th. Which was my 19Th wedding anniversary. I actually felt pretty good afterwards and so Jared and I stopped at Brewsky's and had prime rib sandwiches.
Wednesday I felt ok, just a little weird. The thing that bothers me the most is the neuropathy. My hands can't touch anything cold, or it gives me a zap and makes my hands all tingly. I also can't eat or drink anything cold. It makes me feel like I am choking and makes my lips and tongue have the same tingly feeling that my hands get.
Thursday the fatigue set in. I could have slept all day. Baylee went with me to MSTI to get my beloved chemo fanny pack taken off. We stopped at Walmart to get prescriptions. First time since I have had my health insurance. It should have been way over $300 and it was $24 for 7 prescriptions. That goodness I have that insurance. It is expensive but well worth it.
Friday I started feeling better. My hands and throat are still bothered by the cold. I find that my hands, feet and my calves twitch. It doesn't hurt, it's just sort of bizarre.
Feeling pretty normal Saturday. Just a little more tired than usual, and not much of an appetite.
I have to say, Chemo has been relatively easy for me. It isn't pleasant. But it isn't that bad either.
Two more treatments, and then I have my CAT scan. :)
And on a good note, I was told that if my hair was going to fall out, it would have done so by now. Yay! Of course I chopped my hair thinking that is was all going to fall out. But oh well, I HAVE HAIR!
Wednesday I felt ok, just a little weird. The thing that bothers me the most is the neuropathy. My hands can't touch anything cold, or it gives me a zap and makes my hands all tingly. I also can't eat or drink anything cold. It makes me feel like I am choking and makes my lips and tongue have the same tingly feeling that my hands get.
Thursday the fatigue set in. I could have slept all day. Baylee went with me to MSTI to get my beloved chemo fanny pack taken off. We stopped at Walmart to get prescriptions. First time since I have had my health insurance. It should have been way over $300 and it was $24 for 7 prescriptions. That goodness I have that insurance. It is expensive but well worth it.
Friday I started feeling better. My hands and throat are still bothered by the cold. I find that my hands, feet and my calves twitch. It doesn't hurt, it's just sort of bizarre.
Feeling pretty normal Saturday. Just a little more tired than usual, and not much of an appetite.
I have to say, Chemo has been relatively easy for me. It isn't pleasant. But it isn't that bad either.
Two more treatments, and then I have my CAT scan. :)
And on a good note, I was told that if my hair was going to fall out, it would have done so by now. Yay! Of course I chopped my hair thinking that is was all going to fall out. But oh well, I HAVE HAIR!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
May 2012
My first chemo was May first.Jared took me, and my MIL Shari came for a while too. The people at MSTI are so great. It puts me at ease just to walk into the building. I didn't get the Avastin this time because it inhibits healing and I am not far enough from my surgery date.
I wrote this May 2nd, the day after my first chemo:
"Chemo went fine. At first my port wouldn't work for taking blood, just giving meds. Had to have an x-ray. They finally put some blood clot meds in the port and then it worked both ways. I got anti nausea meds before, anti neuropathy meds before and after, steroids. Then my two different kinds of chemo. I also came home with a fanny pack full of chemo that will get removed tomorrow.
I feel OK. Haven't had to take any anti nausea meds yet (the ones they gave me yesterday are supposed to last for 48 hours). I just feel all around weird. My brain is in slow mode. My body is just tired and just off. I don't feel bad, and I don't feel good. I guess that is good news.
I have some neuropathy side effects. If I drink anything cold, if makes me feel like I have something stuck in my throat. Nothing with my hands or feet yet.
So I am just sitting/lying around today. I can get up for a while but then I need to lay down again."
May 11th was the night of my benefit dinner and auction. I cannot express enough my thanks to my friends who put it on for me, and the people who donated items and money for me and my family. It was a totally awesome experience. I love living in a small town. People are awesome.
My May 15th Chemo went well. Pretty much the same as the first except I had my Avastin this time. No new side effects except for in my hands. They freak out if I touch anything cold.
May 29th I went in for my 3rd round of Chemo. I was scheduled to have iron transfusions that would be twice a week for 3 weeks. They always do a blood test first to make sure you are healthy enough to get the Chemo. My red blood cells are getting better on their own, so for now my iron transfusions are on hold. YAY! No new side effects. Little nausea, a little fatigue. The cold sensitivity in my mouth, throat and my hands were worse. But I can live with it.
I wrote this May 2nd, the day after my first chemo:
"Chemo went fine. At first my port wouldn't work for taking blood, just giving meds. Had to have an x-ray. They finally put some blood clot meds in the port and then it worked both ways. I got anti nausea meds before, anti neuropathy meds before and after, steroids. Then my two different kinds of chemo. I also came home with a fanny pack full of chemo that will get removed tomorrow.
I feel OK. Haven't had to take any anti nausea meds yet (the ones they gave me yesterday are supposed to last for 48 hours). I just feel all around weird. My brain is in slow mode. My body is just tired and just off. I don't feel bad, and I don't feel good. I guess that is good news.
I have some neuropathy side effects. If I drink anything cold, if makes me feel like I have something stuck in my throat. Nothing with my hands or feet yet.
So I am just sitting/lying around today. I can get up for a while but then I need to lay down again."
May 11th was the night of my benefit dinner and auction. I cannot express enough my thanks to my friends who put it on for me, and the people who donated items and money for me and my family. It was a totally awesome experience. I love living in a small town. People are awesome.
My May 15th Chemo went well. Pretty much the same as the first except I had my Avastin this time. No new side effects except for in my hands. They freak out if I touch anything cold.
May 29th I went in for my 3rd round of Chemo. I was scheduled to have iron transfusions that would be twice a week for 3 weeks. They always do a blood test first to make sure you are healthy enough to get the Chemo. My red blood cells are getting better on their own, so for now my iron transfusions are on hold. YAY! No new side effects. Little nausea, a little fatigue. The cold sensitivity in my mouth, throat and my hands were worse. But I can live with it.
April 2012
So we had to wait until Tuesday April 3rd to see my oncologist. I had an appointment at MSTI (they call it Misty) which is the Mountain State Tumor Institute, in Fruitland. I hated waiting to know more about what we are going to do. Or how bad it is. When the Dr. talked to Jared after the colonoscopy, he said that he wants to do the surgery to remove a foot or so of my large intestines. He said he wanted to do it ASAP so that I could quit bleeding, and I can get my blood levels back to normal (or close) before I start Chemo. I'm wasn't sure if they would try and do something with my liver during the surgery or not. I did know that my liver is still normal sized from the CAT scan. My hope was that maybe the spots of cancer were all on the surface and that they could laser them off or something simple. They told Jared also that when they do the surgery they will remove all the surrounding lymph nodes. They are enlarged, so I assumed they are cancerous because the Dr. said that Colon cancer follows a pattern normally that goes Colon, lymph nodes, liver, lungs.....
I wrote this to a friend "So I applied for some insurance the hospital told me about. It is called the Federal Medical Insurance Pool. FMIP. They should accept me. My Dr. sent a letter to them with my application with my diagnosis, and according to the handbook they should have to accept me. It's pretty expensive ($450.00 a month, which is cheaper than the 750 that we thought the premiums would be) but it is actually pretty good insurance which hopefully will keep us from going bankrupt. With what I have had done so far, my bills are already over $10,000. And it's only been 8 days. HOLY COW! The insurance would sure help with my stress."
Jared worked Saturday and Monday.
Tuesday came. We went into see the Dr. I had googled stuff about my CAT scan earlier, so when he told me stage 4 colon cancer I wasn't surprised. I also knew what stage 4 meant. Incurable. Death went through my mind. Jared raising the kids by himself. Pain. Sickness. Chemo. He showed us the CAT scan. My liver was just full of cancer. Not what I had hoped for. I hate what is written on my diagnosis sheet.
"Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Technically incurable, but we will treat you to help you live as long as possible.
Treatment: Surgery First
Chemotherapy: 5-FU
Oxaloplatin
Avastin
Given every 2 weeks. Combination of IV's
Port placed at time of Colon Surgery."
The next day they called me to schedule my surgery. It was the day after Easter. I would have to do another clean out, so we had our Easter celebration and dinner on Saturday.
My friend Shelby came up on Sunday evening, and stayed until Thursday to take care of the kids. It was such a relief to me to know she was there and that I didn't have to worry about my kids at all. I could just focus on me.
The surgery went well. They took out the bad part of my large intestines, and put it back together. Removed all the surrounding lymph nodes.
When I woke up I was in no pain at all. A little bit of a sore throat from the tube they had running through my nose, down my throat and into my stomach. I had a pain ball, which was in a purse thingy, and it had two tubes coming out of it, putting pain medicine directly into the incision.
I'm having trouble remembering too much from the day of surgery, so I am posting an update that my friend Shelby gave to a bunch of wonderful friends I call my "Sista's"
"hi! So far, so good. I talked to Jared a few minutes ago. He said Lisa is doing well and is resting.
I'm amazed at the amount of love and support. She has gotten flowers and cards. The bishop's wife has called me a couple of times a day to make sure everything is ok here. The kids are doing well, considering all things and have been really really great.
They stayed home from school today and we went to the creek and skipped rocks, and then I came back home and made scones for lunch. I just painted cute Baylee's nails. They are really really great kids. Lisa has done an amazing job with them. I'm grateful to have been able to spend some time with them. I love them!
We are going to be heading in to the hospital to see her in about an hour. The kids are missing their mom, but have really just been so good. When we saw her yesterday, she was pretty wiped out (understandably so.) She was so good with the kids, though. It's no question that she is a GREAT mom all the way around. I'm grateful to be her friend.
Jared said that she was able to walk a little bit today, so this is good. And she is very hopeful to be out of the hospital in the next day or two. I don't know what the likelihood is of that. I haven't asked any questions.
Keep the prayers coming! I know I can feel them, I'm SURE that Lisa can."
The amount of support I got while I was in the hospital was overwhelming. Like they say, you find out who your friends are.
I got to go home from the hospital Thurday around lunch time. It felt so good to go home.
Sunday the 15th I pulled out the weird tubes out of my belly that were hooked to the pain ball. It was pretty nasty but cool at the same time. It's amazing how far those tubes went inside my body. And it didn't hurt to take them out.
Moday I took out 3 of my staples. I procrastinated and took the rest out Tuesday.
April 16th I wrote to a friend " I went to a genetic counseling appointment. They think I may have Lynch Syndrome. People that do have a 70% chance of getting colon cancer and /or uterine cancer. So if I have it, each of my kids have a 50/50 chance of having it also. Which means yearly colonoscopies starting at age 20. And also the girls need to have total hysterectomies as soon as they are done having children. Scary, but she thinks my chances of having it are only 20% or so. I will know more in about 3 weeks. They are testing the tumor first, then we will go to blood if needed. The appointment exhausted me, but it felt good to be out of the house for a little while.
Everyone who sees me says how good I look for what I have been through. That makes me feel good.
I'm still set to start Chemo on the 1st of May. I have all the information about the 3 types of medication I will be getting, but I haven't looked at them yet. I just want to give myself a few days of as little stress as possible before I start reading all the lovely side effects of the medicine.
Baylee's birthday was the 16th too, and all she wanted was for her and I to go shopping and go to lunch at Olive Garden. She is being a trooper, knowing that I can't do that right now. Hopefully next week. But I still feel guilty, like I ruined her birthday.
I love every little bit of help that has been sent my way. It helps more than any of you will ever know.
I haven't had one bit of blood in my stool since the surgery. Even thought the Dr. said I should expect it the first few times I went. I feel a bit stronger every day.
I love my kids and Jared so much. I am hoping that there is a miracle in my future. I just want to be here for my kids. My life is very scary right now."
The testing they did on the tumor turned out to be normal, so the likelyhood that I do have Lynch syndrome is very small. No more testing for now. What a relief. I was really scared for my kids.
I posted this to friends on April 24th:
"So for about a week now I have felt really good. Better than I have in months. I am trying not to overdue it, but it just feels so good to feel good. I am going to try and en joy this week as much as possible. Chemo starts next Tuesday and who knows how that will effect me. I sure could use prayers that I may be one of the lucky people that Chemo is nice to. That would be a huge blessing. My kids do not need to see me sick anymore.
Yesterday in the mail, I recieved a letter from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon. I have to sign something and send them something, but the line in the letter that has me so happy is this " You are eligible for an APRIL 1, 2012 effective date"! That means I will be insured. And that it will cover my surgery! I know that the hospital portion of the surgery all by itself is $30,000.00. What a huge burden lifted off our shoulders. Now I will only have to worry about things that happened before April 1st. The monthly premium, gas to go back and forth to treatments and appointments, and prescriptions....which with this insurance can be no more than $70.00 and as cheap as $5 or $10.
A great friend of mine is heading up a fundraiser for me, along with a bunch of other wonderful friends. They are doing a dinner/auction for me at the high school on May 11th.
Cancer sucks. Death hanging over my head by a thread sucks. But the blessings, the love, the help. Amazing."
I wrote this to a friend "So I applied for some insurance the hospital told me about. It is called the Federal Medical Insurance Pool. FMIP. They should accept me. My Dr. sent a letter to them with my application with my diagnosis, and according to the handbook they should have to accept me. It's pretty expensive ($450.00 a month, which is cheaper than the 750 that we thought the premiums would be) but it is actually pretty good insurance which hopefully will keep us from going bankrupt. With what I have had done so far, my bills are already over $10,000. And it's only been 8 days. HOLY COW! The insurance would sure help with my stress."
Jared worked Saturday and Monday.
Tuesday came. We went into see the Dr. I had googled stuff about my CAT scan earlier, so when he told me stage 4 colon cancer I wasn't surprised. I also knew what stage 4 meant. Incurable. Death went through my mind. Jared raising the kids by himself. Pain. Sickness. Chemo. He showed us the CAT scan. My liver was just full of cancer. Not what I had hoped for. I hate what is written on my diagnosis sheet.
"Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Technically incurable, but we will treat you to help you live as long as possible.
Treatment: Surgery First
Chemotherapy: 5-FU
Oxaloplatin
Avastin
Given every 2 weeks. Combination of IV's
Port placed at time of Colon Surgery."
The next day they called me to schedule my surgery. It was the day after Easter. I would have to do another clean out, so we had our Easter celebration and dinner on Saturday.
My friend Shelby came up on Sunday evening, and stayed until Thursday to take care of the kids. It was such a relief to me to know she was there and that I didn't have to worry about my kids at all. I could just focus on me.
The surgery went well. They took out the bad part of my large intestines, and put it back together. Removed all the surrounding lymph nodes.
When I woke up I was in no pain at all. A little bit of a sore throat from the tube they had running through my nose, down my throat and into my stomach. I had a pain ball, which was in a purse thingy, and it had two tubes coming out of it, putting pain medicine directly into the incision.
I'm having trouble remembering too much from the day of surgery, so I am posting an update that my friend Shelby gave to a bunch of wonderful friends I call my "Sista's"
"hi! So far, so good. I talked to Jared a few minutes ago. He said Lisa is doing well and is resting.
I'm amazed at the amount of love and support. She has gotten flowers and cards. The bishop's wife has called me a couple of times a day to make sure everything is ok here. The kids are doing well, considering all things and have been really really great.
They stayed home from school today and we went to the creek and skipped rocks, and then I came back home and made scones for lunch. I just painted cute Baylee's nails. They are really really great kids. Lisa has done an amazing job with them. I'm grateful to have been able to spend some time with them. I love them!
We are going to be heading in to the hospital to see her in about an hour. The kids are missing their mom, but have really just been so good. When we saw her yesterday, she was pretty wiped out (understandably so.) She was so good with the kids, though. It's no question that she is a GREAT mom all the way around. I'm grateful to be her friend.
Jared said that she was able to walk a little bit today, so this is good. And she is very hopeful to be out of the hospital in the next day or two. I don't know what the likelihood is of that. I haven't asked any questions.
Keep the prayers coming! I know I can feel them, I'm SURE that Lisa can."
The amount of support I got while I was in the hospital was overwhelming. Like they say, you find out who your friends are.
I got to go home from the hospital Thurday around lunch time. It felt so good to go home.
Sunday the 15th I pulled out the weird tubes out of my belly that were hooked to the pain ball. It was pretty nasty but cool at the same time. It's amazing how far those tubes went inside my body. And it didn't hurt to take them out.
Moday I took out 3 of my staples. I procrastinated and took the rest out Tuesday.
April 16th I wrote to a friend " I went to a genetic counseling appointment. They think I may have Lynch Syndrome. People that do have a 70% chance of getting colon cancer and /or uterine cancer. So if I have it, each of my kids have a 50/50 chance of having it also. Which means yearly colonoscopies starting at age 20. And also the girls need to have total hysterectomies as soon as they are done having children. Scary, but she thinks my chances of having it are only 20% or so. I will know more in about 3 weeks. They are testing the tumor first, then we will go to blood if needed. The appointment exhausted me, but it felt good to be out of the house for a little while.
Everyone who sees me says how good I look for what I have been through. That makes me feel good.
I'm still set to start Chemo on the 1st of May. I have all the information about the 3 types of medication I will be getting, but I haven't looked at them yet. I just want to give myself a few days of as little stress as possible before I start reading all the lovely side effects of the medicine.
Baylee's birthday was the 16th too, and all she wanted was for her and I to go shopping and go to lunch at Olive Garden. She is being a trooper, knowing that I can't do that right now. Hopefully next week. But I still feel guilty, like I ruined her birthday.
I love every little bit of help that has been sent my way. It helps more than any of you will ever know.
I haven't had one bit of blood in my stool since the surgery. Even thought the Dr. said I should expect it the first few times I went. I feel a bit stronger every day.
I love my kids and Jared so much. I am hoping that there is a miracle in my future. I just want to be here for my kids. My life is very scary right now."
The testing they did on the tumor turned out to be normal, so the likelyhood that I do have Lynch syndrome is very small. No more testing for now. What a relief. I was really scared for my kids.
I posted this to friends on April 24th:
"So for about a week now I have felt really good. Better than I have in months. I am trying not to overdue it, but it just feels so good to feel good. I am going to try and en joy this week as much as possible. Chemo starts next Tuesday and who knows how that will effect me. I sure could use prayers that I may be one of the lucky people that Chemo is nice to. That would be a huge blessing. My kids do not need to see me sick anymore.
Yesterday in the mail, I recieved a letter from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon. I have to sign something and send them something, but the line in the letter that has me so happy is this " You are eligible for an APRIL 1, 2012 effective date"! That means I will be insured. And that it will cover my surgery! I know that the hospital portion of the surgery all by itself is $30,000.00. What a huge burden lifted off our shoulders. Now I will only have to worry about things that happened before April 1st. The monthly premium, gas to go back and forth to treatments and appointments, and prescriptions....which with this insurance can be no more than $70.00 and as cheap as $5 or $10.
A great friend of mine is heading up a fundraiser for me, along with a bunch of other wonderful friends. They are doing a dinner/auction for me at the high school on May 11th.
Cancer sucks. Death hanging over my head by a thread sucks. But the blessings, the love, the help. Amazing."
March 2012, The month my life changed
So, I hadn't been feeling good for a while. I guess around the holidays. Night sweats, nausea, fatigue, running random fevers with no other symptoms
of being sick. I was having blood in my stool, but I had on and off for years. Freaked me out a bit but not much. I just figured I had a hemorrhoid or something. Kept feeling worse and worse.
I kept losing weight. Then more blood. Alot of times it was just blood and mucus. I tried getting on health insurance before going to the Dr because I knew it was something bad. But it didn't work, and open enrollment for Jared's work wasn't until October.
I finally got scared and sick enough to go in even without insurance.
So I went in Thursday the 22nd. As I told the doctor my symptoms I could see his face change. I could tell he was really concerned. They did blood work, rectal exam, pap, checked all my lymph nodes that they were able. Manually checked for masses. Couldn't find anything.
Set me up for the CAT scan for the afternoon of Monday the 26th. The doctors office called me first thing that morning because they had gotten my blood work back. Everything was very off. So they wanted me to come in to check my vitals to make sure I was stable. That freaked me out. The nurses tone of voice scared me. I had to call into work and tell them I wasn't coming in for the morning like I had planned on. I cried. And I'm not a crier. My red blood cell count was 6.2. Should be 12 or over. Talked about doing a blood transfusion but decided against it. My white blood cell count was off, my liver enzymes were off.
Went to Caldwell for the CAT scan. I hated drinking the bottle of contrast, but managed to get it all down. They also gave me intravenous contrast that made me feel like I peed my pants. Luckily the nice lady running the CAT scan warned me ahead of time or I would have freaked out...lol. It only took 15 minutes or so. They put a rush on the results, As soon as I was dressed they told me to go back to my Dr's office in Vale, that he had the results.
We got back to Vale, and the Dr. asked me what was the worst thing I though it could be. I said Colon cancer and he said I was right. Mainly on my left side. I'd Having pain there. And there were also a dozen or so spots on my liver. And the lymph nodes around that area are swollen. I wasn't sure if they are just trying to fight this crap off, or if they were infected with too. Didn't ask.
So I went and saw a surgeon the next day, Tuesday the 27th. Just had a talk. He scheduled a colonoscopy for Friday afternoon.
So Thursday I did the dreaded clean out. The worst part was drinking all that crap. I'd been feeling sick for months now, and it didn't help.
Friday morning I felt absolutely horrible. Very weak. Light headed. Just all around bad.
Went to the hospital, and of course they were running an hour late. So I had to sit there and fret about things.
Took me back, blew out me veins twice. (ouch)
They finally gave me the drugs to make me loo loo. I guess I was moving during the procedure so they gave me more.
The procedure took about an hour. They let me wake up all on my own, so I was out for 3 hours. When I woke up, I actually felt good. Better than I had in days. It was really bizarre because I expected to feel like crap and be really tired. I didn't even take a nap at all after the colonoscopy, which for me these days is what I do alot of.
Stopped at McDonalds on the way home. Actually ate the whole thing except for a few french fries. Some friends of mine brought over dinner and I ate again, and had a big bowl of ice cream too. (Eating has been an issue for me lately so I was excited).
So I have pictures of my colon now. They were worried about being able to get all the way through my large intestines with the growth, but they were able to
. They removed several polyps (I have picture of those too, very interesting) and then took samples of the tumor which is about 2 inches and shaped like a horseshoe. It blocks off about 2/3 of my large intestines but things can still get past there. I have had alot of cramping though, which I'm sure is stuff sort of getting stuck there a bit. They sent the pieces of the tumor to pathology. (I have a nice picture of the tumor too).
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