tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40840982010742118562024-03-18T22:30:09.917-06:00Life with LisaCancer = A new normalLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-87032753816165708742014-04-03T07:18:00.000-06:002014-04-03T07:18:35.098-06:00Spring is bad luck for me......First of all, Jared and I are now separated. For good this time. I'm so stupid for believing him last time he cheated. And the time before that, and the time before that, and you get the picture.<br />
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A few months ago we were having a talk about him and his relationships with women after I pass away. The women he cheats with are always sleazy white trash, and I don't want someone like that around or raising my kids after I am gone. So I mentioned a few women to him and said, "please go for women like these." Just as examples. Well I guess he took me literally and forgot the fact that I am still very much alive. I was suspicious that something was going on and so I checked his text records. He had been texting one of the women I mentioned to him. He told her lies such as "our marriage was over long before she got cancer" and little things such as I take back every gift that he buys for me. (Never once have I ever taken back anything). I guess he lied to make her feel less guilty about what they were doing? I don't know. I looked up to this woman, and thought she was an outstanding person. A nice church going lady. My girls would go to her house and play, and her girls would come here too. (for those in the Vale area....I know you are curious as to who this is. I won't tell you. That would be rude. But her first name starts with an "L" and her last name starts with a "Z" and she had a business in town that shut down a few months ago where you could go have sweets, or a nice sandwich for lunch. Shocked?!?! Yeah, I was too.) <br />
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The thing that hurt me the very most about the text messages were in the beginning, she said " But your wife is sick, she needs you" and his response was "so???" And the fact that she obviously believes the lies he tells her about me. Nothing in the world bugs me more than someone being blamed for something they didn't do. And who knows what kind of things he is telling people about me to make what he is doing seem ok. <br />
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On a positive note, I got to go on a 4 day get away with my high school friends in Boise. I had the most fun I have had in years. They really are the best friends ever. <br />
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The first day I was gone, Baylee broke her leg by landing wrong on her Grandma's trampoline. She had Surgery to put some screws in and she is out of school until at least the 15th. She is a trooper though, and Dallin and Tyleigh are quick to fetch her things or entertain her when she is bored.<br />
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I have been doing pretty good with my health the last several weeks, but the dreaded CAT scan is coming up at the end of the month and that makes me nervous. <br />
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Sometimes I am overwhelmed with stress with all that is going on in my life. But other times I feel a weird sense of peace :) Everything is going to be alright! And there are things that I won't have to worry about anymore. I feel each of your prayers for me, and I appreciate them more than you will know. Hopefully the Summer will be a little less exciting. Some emotional boredom would be welcome.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-38961860857427248672014-02-06T13:40:00.001-07:002014-02-06T13:40:36.790-07:00Everything is stable for the moment...My CAT scan showed everything was basically stable. There were two tumors that had questionable growth (shown in the images below).<br />
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The Pictures with the arrows show the tumors that MIGHT have grown a little. I figure if they aren't sure if they grew or now, then I shouldn't worry about it. Still lots of healthy liver left, even with at least a dozen tumors. I'm lucky I guess that the cancer spread to such a large organ.</div>
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My oncologist didn't seem to concerned about it too much. I am staying on the same chemo regimen for the next 3 months and then scan again.</div>
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I also talked to the Dr about my fatigue and depression. He put my on Celexa. I've been on it a week now, and I seem to feel somewhat better. Between the medication and the sun coming out after a month of inversion I think I can start feeling more like normal.</div>
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Basketball season is winding down for Dallin's Freshman year.</div>
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Baylee's Basketball and Volleyball seasons are over.</div>
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One one of Tyleigh, my Bride of Frankenstein. </div>
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I am so blessed to still be here with my beautiful family, making memories. Many more to come.</div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-80911850349444638802014-01-09T11:33:00.001-07:002014-02-06T13:59:20.830-07:00Small update, Lots of memories and Girls Camp 1984 So I decided I'm going to use this blog as a journal/memory keeper of sorts. Not just cancer updates. I want to save memories for my kids to be able to read in 20 years :). I'm going to go back in time and record memories of my childhood, my children's births, wedding day ALL that I can remember. I also want to ask a favor. Use my email address lisaanniepants@gmail.com and send me memories. If you have a funny story, or any story that involves me I want you to send it to me. (PICTURES too please!!!) I am going to include those emailed memories in my blog. Not only will I get a kick out of it, but my kids will too. And it will help them know me better.<br />
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So I have been having a big ol' pity party lately. I guess I'm entitled because cancer and everything that comes with it really sucks. Everyone is entitled to occasional pity parties as long as your life doesn't become a pity party. People that are in a bad mood or a "poor me" state of mind get on my nerves. :)<br />
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So I am feeling better emotionally (not so much physically, but I'm not going to go there right now). I started taking my chemo pills again after taking a break for a few days.<br />
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Part of my personality that really annoys me is that I have such a hard time asking for / receiving help. No matter what kind of help it is. I feel guilty. Why is that? Do I need help? Yep. But when someone actually does, it makes me cringe. What is wrong with me? I used to get meals. Gals would come over and straighten up the house. I stopped it all. Because I can do it myself. I can cook, I can clean, I can drive myself to chemo. Even if I don't feel good most of the time I CAN DO IT. I'd rather do it myself. It's not that I don't appreciate help. I really do. I just have a hard time with it all. Always have. Any advice for me? Why am I like that? <br />
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Another thing that bugs me, is I am such a homebody. It doesn't bother me at all to just be at my house alone. Don't get me wrong, I like being around other people (mostly my family). Being introverted bugs the heck outta me. Such as...my wedding day was horrible. Not because it was a horrible day, it wasn't. It was an awesome day. But I hate being the center of attention. And a bride is the center of attention. All those people, and having to talk to them. EEK. I just wish that I was the kind of person that could just go up and talk to people. BUT....once you KNOW me, and I feel comfortable around you, the real me comes out. And to tell you the truth I'm pretty much a weirdo. ;)<br />
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So I was talking to my kids this morning and somehow ended up telling them a few stories about Girls Camp. I'll share them with you. Advanced warning....I have a weak bladder. Always have. Especially when laughing. We were lucky enough to be in cabins. I had taken a shower and had come out with a towel wrapped around me. My friends Jenni and Shannon were looking out the cabin door, exited about something. I think they said a snake or a lizard. So of course I wanted to see it. So to the door I went to have a peek. They proceeded to yank the towel off of me, shove me out the door and lock it. I was laughing, banging on the door begging them to let my naked self back in. When they finally opened the door, all that was waiting for them was a puddle. :) I had peed, then ran to the back of the cabin where there were towels and bathing suits hanging. I had to take another shower. At least I didn't pee my pants ;)<br />
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Stephanie, Kara, Chloe, Jessica in their side of the cabin<br />
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(Jenni, Shannon, Susie- Girls camp)<br />
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The last day of girls camp we have a "testimony meeting". Anyone who wanted to would get up in front of the group and described what they had learned, friendships that had been made, lessons that had been learned etc. It was a very emotional meeting, where most of us girls were crying and listening intently. The scene was a half dome of stairs/seating with a fireplace at the bottom where the girl/leader speaking would stand. I was seated at the top of the stairs next to my friend Shannon. We were 12. She started complaining that she was having cramps and thought that maybe she was going to start her period. I chuckled a bit and whispered to her that it was probably gas pains. Not more that 10 seconds later the quietness was broken with a very loud fart coming from Shannon's butt region. Of course everyone turned around to stare. Shannon proceeded to shove me and say "LISA!" Everyone thought it was me! Of course being me I start laughing. I peed. Again. My urine started cascading down the stairs/seats toward others. I spilled my hot chocolate on purpose, trying to cover the accident. My friend Jenni went and fetched me a sweatshirt which I tied around my waist so I could go back to the cabin and change. I got back at her that night with shaving cream and toothpaste filled oreos,<br />
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Shannon waking up to shaving cream :)<br />
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Jenni, Suzie, Shannon, Jana....with our camp flag. We were the "Giving Pack Rats". Every cabin had their own flag and animal for their theme.<br />
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Me on my camp bed.....this must have been about 1984? Loved my Cool Ranch Doritos. Notice the picture of my cat on the wall?<br />
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Jenni on her bed. Love the fact that she brought posters. Michael J Fox and Rob Lowe. Jenni has been one of my best friends for over 30 years and was my maid of honor at my wedding.<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-49846461287540544832013-09-05T10:28:00.000-06:002014-02-06T14:00:28.685-07:00End of Summer update My last cat scan wasn't good. It showed growth in the tumors that are in my liver. We counted a dozen tumors and stopped there. Liver re-section is out of the question because of the amount of tumors I have and their location. So basically unless there is a miracle, I will just continually be on chemotherapy.<br />
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Once the chemo stops working I am a candidate for Y-90 radiation (I think I explained this in an earlier post. But if you are interested you can look up the information on it here: <a href="http://www.sirtex.com/us/">http://www.sirtex.com/us/</a>.<br />
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When I first started chemo I brought home a fanny pack full of chemo that pumped into my body for 48 hours. This time I am going that again, except it is in pill form. I still go in every other tuesday and get an infusion of avastin. Then the pills (called xeloda) are 7 days on, 7 days off. My insurance (whole story in itself) was being a pain in the butt, but I finally got them (can we say expensive?). They aren't too bad. I take 3 pills in the morning and 3 with dinner. They make me tired and nauseated but that's it. I can take anti-nausea pills and usually I'm fine. (I did get sick once.)<br />
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So my insurance was Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oregon. Awesome insurance. Premiums were $520 a month, but they paid 100% after I met my deductible (which I did after my first appointment in January). Then come July 1st I got forced to switch to some federal pre-existing condition insurance. My premium dropped to $417 a month, but this insurance sucks. They only cover 70%. When your medical bills are over $10,000 a month this leaves a mighty chunk left for us to pay. Not gonna happen. We would starve. So I do my best to ignore the bills. (Not the best way to deal with it, but at this point I don't know what else to do.) Plus I had to re-pay the deductible. It's total crap. Luckily the insurance stuff changes come October 1st. I'm hoping to get back with BCBS. But that also means re-paying my deductible. (That will be 3 times I've paid my deductible in 2013 if you've lost count.) It's just crap that people with cancer have to worry about all this financial BS when we should just be focusing on fighting this nasty disease.<br />
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On a better note, I am going to Washington D.C. and Florida in October. Mostly paid for! (Colon Cancer stuff, more info later) I am so excited! I will need a little money.<br />
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I am thinking about selling a few quilts to help out with the costs. I have a blog, where I have pictures of some of the quilts I have made/sold in the past. (You can see them here :<a href="http://raggedyanniequilts.blogspot.com/">http://raggedyanniequilts.blogspot.com/</a> If anyone is interested get ahold of me through facebook, or emailing me: lisaanniepants@gmail.com, or you can send me a text (541) 212-0606. They make great Christmas presents!<br />
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I'd like to thank everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers. <br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-50877709285997195892013-05-30T07:42:00.003-06:002014-02-06T14:01:44.696-07:00I'm a slacker...So I've really been slacking with my blog. I'm going to try and be better about it because I know that quite a few people use this to keep up with what is going on with me.<br />
<br />
Right now I'm still doing the "every 3 weeks treatment". My schedule for June is chemo on the 3rd, CAT scan on the 17th and chemo/CAT scan results June 25th.<br />
<br />
I'd been not feeling too well. I have had 4 episodes of bad upper stomach pain that would last for a couple days, accompanied by nausea and an all around feeling of yuck. The first time it happened was March 30th (Saturday before Easter). I was sick all day Easter and finally went to the ER Monday April 1st after getting the kids all in bed (didn't want to worry them). I had bloodwork done, and an EKG. Chemo can wreak havoc on your heart so that had me concerned. It can also cause blood clots, but all that was ruled out. They gave me strong IV heartburn medication which did nothing and sent me home. <br />
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We attended the NNU cancer awareness baseball game on April 20th. I got sick half way through the game with the same pain. It went away on it's own after a few days. When I went in for Chemo I was dehydrated and had protein and bilirubin in my urine. I got two bags of fluids along with my Avastin and was told to come back if my pain didn't go away.<br />
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To make a long story short, after several episodes of this pain, nausea and feeling like crap I did a lot of research because I knew it wasn't heartburn and I was getting scared and frustrated. When reading the side effects of all the medication I am on I came across Cymbalta (which I am taking daily for <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">peripheral neuropathy</span>, and one of the most common side effects is "Upper stomach pain, and gastritis". UGG. I hate the fact that I take one thing to help combat something and it seems to cause another issue which leads to another medication to help that issue etc. It's a vicious circle. So even though I knew from reading that there would be not-so-nice withdrawal symptoms from stopping Cymbalta cold turkey (mostly because it is also used for depression and anxiety) I quit taking it. I have a little more numbness in my hands and feet but I haven't seemed to lose any motor function. I felt like I was losing my mind for a few days, but now....what a difference. No more chest/stomach pains! No more constipation. I feel like a new woman and things are looking up! Now as long as my scan results come back good I feel like I have a renewed hope. I was beginning to get really worried that something was just not right with my body and I thought something horrible was going on. I feel so much relief now, physically and emotionally. :)<br />
<br />
My mom and sister came to visit for a week in April. We had a really good visit, but it is really hard to see my mom in the physical/mental state that she is in. She's in her 80's so I guess it is to be expected to some extent, but none the less I wish that she were in better health and it is hard to see a parent in that condition.<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-70491823157664936872013-04-02T17:35:00.000-06:002014-02-06T14:02:23.337-07:00Not sure what to think..... Heard news I hadn't heard before. Everything is stable. No shrinkage, no growth. The same. The Dr. seemed happy. The nurses seemed happy. It wasn't what I wanted to hear but it wasn't the worst I could have heard. Keeping up the same regimen for the next 3 months then scan again. My red blood cells are almost normal (yay!) but my white blood cell counts were up a bit. Just going to keep a eye on things. My kidneys were hurting after my CT scan, so he thinks I probably had a small kidney infection that is clearing up on its own. (From the contrast stuff they have you drink before the procedure).<br />
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I've been asked to give an interview for MSTI (Mountain State Tumor Institute) which is associated with St.Lukes. I think it's an on camera thing to promote the new hospital they are building in Fruitland Idaho where MSTI will be located in.<br />
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Also they invited my family to a Northwest Nazarene University Baseball game on the 20th. It's a cancer awareness game. They will have activities for the kids, and a balloon release to honor those who have been touched by cancer. They are getting us t-shirts and hats to wear :) It should be an awesome experience.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-53294448912935340162013-03-13T14:50:00.000-06:002014-02-06T14:03:11.424-07:00Chemo #21 Twenty One! Unless I have miscounted. ( Which knowing me I very well could have.) This week things went very well. When I went in for treatment three weeks ago, I had a lot of trouble with my port. They had need doing a lot of moves which made me look like I was doing Jane Fonda's workout. The moves did nothing but make me look like an idiot, and entertain my fellow chemo getters. :) They put in some blood clot medicine, and after about 45 minutes in started working. It made me a little nervous, because if it didn't start working right I would have had to have a surgery done to put in a new port.<br />
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In less than two weeks I have cat scan number five. And then on April 2, I will go over the cat scan results with my oncologist. I am still only on avastin which makes me really nervous for the cat scan results. Avastin is really easy on me.<br />
<br />
The most common side effects of Avastin are:<br />
<br />
<b>Nosebleeds</b><br />
<b>Headache</b><br />
High blood pressure<br />
<b>Inflammation of the nose</b><br />
Too much protein in the urine<br />
Taste change<br />
Dry skin<br />
Rectal bleeding<br />
Tear production disorder<br />
Back pain<br />
Inflammation of the skin<br />
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I haven't had any nosebleeds in a few weeks now. My nose still hurts occasionally, which must be the "inflammation". I get tired easily, and get headaches on occasion. But other than that, I don't have any other side effects.<i> Knock on wood</i>. In my head I think because I don't feel like crap maybe the medicine isn't working. But my last cat scan I was "only on avastin", and it showed that my tumors in my liver were still shrinking.<br />
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The neuropathy in my hands and feet seems to be getting better with the cymbalta. The negative side to getting the feeling back is that I have pain. The doctors are helping me manage it pretty well. <br />
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One thing that scares me a little bit, Is the pain that I get occasionally in my upper right abdominal area. I'm sure it's my liver. I can only hope it's the pain of the cancer shrinking away.<br />
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Anyone want to fork over a Hawaiian Vacation for Two in June? Jared and I will be having our 20th wedding anniversary!?!<br />
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-5644938335716123462013-01-10T18:55:00.001-07:002014-02-06T14:03:48.973-07:00The results.......... I was happily surprised when the Dr. went over my CAT scan with me. The tumors are still shrinking!<br />
So relieved :)<br />
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I had another infusion of avastin. I will do just that for another 3 months, and then scan again.<br />
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Another little bit of good news: I think the cymbalta is working (knock on wood). I can actually make a<br />
fist, and I haven't had to take as much pain medication.<br />
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Thanks for all the prayers/positive thoughts!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-64986184995716383832013-01-03T12:13:00.000-07:002014-02-06T14:04:31.427-07:00Another scan....So now I have had 16 chemo treatments. I will go for my 17th on Tuesday.<br />
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Tomorrow morning I have a cat scan. I am a little more anxious than usual, because I have only been on avastin since October instead of the cocktail of chemotherapy that I had been getting. I'm hoping that it is doing a good job at keeping the tumors shrunk .<br />
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If the tumors have stayed the same size or have shrunk I think that I should be able to just keep on doing the avastin. Avastin is very gentle on me. It would be such a blessing. I am not sure what they will do to me if the tumors have gotten larger or if I have any new cancer.<br />
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I will find out what the results of my cat scan when I go in for chemo on Tuesday. Until then I am sure that I will be filled with anxiety.<br />
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Keep up the prayers, please. I am doing my part and I hope that God is doing his.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-16405673952017942602012-11-28T10:48:00.001-07:002014-02-06T14:05:27.999-07:00Health update....I had my 14th dose of chemo yesterday. It went really well. No side effects to speak of except bloody noses and tiredness.<br />
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.<br />
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I'm still very frustrated with my hands and feet. That causes me not to be able to do simple daily tasks by myself.<br />
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I am very thankful that my overall health seems to be pretty good and that the chemo has really been gentle on me.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-5066589708229406932012-10-17T10:56:00.003-06:002014-02-06T14:06:27.174-07:00Some 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.<br />
I have trouble typing so this is short. Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-88785110118527461102012-10-12T16:11:00.001-06:002014-02-06T14:07:05.618-07:00Frustration....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.<br />
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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.<br />
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AND!.... I got my 40th birthday present early: Nice huh? I have always wanted one, it's my dream car.<br />
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-31862249758766373842012-09-22T19:45:00.000-06:002012-09-22T19:46:55.525-06:00These 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 -<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Pain, swelling, and redness of the mouth, tongue, and throat </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">“Coated tongue”.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Numbness or tingling feeling in the hands or feet ,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Muscle cramps,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Loss of balance,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Difficulty buttoning buttons or picking up objects, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Decreased awareness of heat or cold in fingertips and toes</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 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)</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</b></span><br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-26927335713266289762012-09-17T20:17:00.001-06:002012-09-17T20:17:55.375-06:00Lucky...<br />
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I’m one of the luckiest people I know.</div>
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Uh, Lisa? Um, you have stage IV incurable cancer. Remember that?</div>
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Yes… yes, I do.<br />Know what else I have?</div>
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A wonderful husband that I love with all of my heart, and he loves me back.</div>
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2 sons, who are more than awesome.</div>
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2 beautiful daughters, who I adore.</div>
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More wonderful friends than I can count.</div>
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Church members and friends who bring me and my family meals on my chemo weeks.</div>
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My hair.</div>
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My sanity (this is questionable..lol)</div>
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The love of crafting.</div>
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An ear for good music (well I think it's good)</div>
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A house that is a home, and I'd rather be there than anywhere else.</div>
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Animals that keep me company.</div>
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A job that has been so wonderful and flexible with me.</div>
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Hope for a cure.</div>
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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 ;)</div>
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<span class="sep" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Posted on </span><time class="entry-date" datetime="2012-09-17T16:46:36+00:00" pubdate="" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://kairoswarriors.wordpress.com/2012/09/17/lucky/" rel="bookmark" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="4:46 pm">September 17, 201</a></time></div>
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</header>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-52966537585190710782012-09-06T08:52:00.001-06:002012-09-06T08:53:09.645-06:00I 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.<br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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We are also so glad that football season is here again. We love college football. GO BSU!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-82978481546062949582012-09-01T17:00:00.001-06:002012-09-01T17:08:27.390-06:00Countdown 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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But life is good. No more complaining, at least for the day :)<br />
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There is one boy here...my puppy Joey (or Joe Joe)...LOL <br />
<br />
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 ;)<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-68854264687662897772012-08-23T20:54:00.000-06:002012-08-23T20:54:08.321-06:009 down, 3 to go...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> 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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Hopefully I feel better tomorrow. The boys are going hunting, and the girls and I are having a girls weekend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Feeling a little discouraged today. Tomorrow will be better.</span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-76390652694316953952012-08-14T19:57:00.001-06:002012-08-14T19:57:14.144-06:00Latest news....<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I just got back from Meridian, seeing Dr. Handley.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It looks like for now, we will put the Y-90 (<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">Y-90 microsphere radioembolization</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;"> ) 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. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">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. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">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.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">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. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This should increase my time before tumors grow again by 6 months, compared with Chemo without this procedure. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; line-height: 20px;">"a median time to disease progression, as measured by tumor size, of </span><u style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; line-height: 20px;">15.9 months vs. 9.7 months</u><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; line-height: 20px;"> 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. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="background-color: #cc0000;">I still don't like the survival rates: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="background-color: #cc0000;"><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; line-height: 20px;">"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.<span style="font-size: x-small;">"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 20px;"><b>But those are statistics for other people. Not me.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><sup style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; line-height: 20px;">Here's a little video (cartoon) of the procedure. </sup><a href="http://www.sirtex.com/video/usa_see_how_sir_spheres_video_flash.cfm">http://www.sirtex.com/video/usa_see_how_sir_spheres_video_flash.cfm</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">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! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Prayers are always great. I'm gonna beat this. Then I will be a "poster child" for Kicking Cancers Butt. </span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-89932768189850967682012-08-10T11:24:00.001-06:002012-08-10T11:25:49.132-06:00Chemo #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.<br />
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.... <a href="http://www.boiseradiology.com/Radiologists/InterventionalRadiology.aspx">http://www.boiseradiology.com/Radiologists/InterventionalRadiology.aspx</a><br />
He is last on the list.<br />
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.<br />
The kids start school on the 22nd. Luckily we are all done with school clothes and school supply shopping! <br />
I am having a party on the 17th. Scentsy, jewelry, pigging out, bunco. Everyone is invited. 6-10 at my house. <br />
I am planning on having a coming off Chemo party in the future too!<br />
Thank you for all the prayers/ meals/ positive thoughts. They help more than you will ever know.<br />
<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-37285585398149095892012-08-07T23:21:00.000-06:002012-08-07T23:23:21.182-06:00Chemo 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-67469539016768207242012-07-25T11:58:00.000-06:002012-08-07T23:22:35.223-06:00CAT 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. <br />
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, <a href="http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=radioembol"></a> Or watch a video about it here : <a href="http://www.nordion.com/therasphere/home_us/index.asp">Y-90</a><a href="http://www.nordion.com/therasphere/home_us/index.asp"></a><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
My iron level went up to 9.8...which is an awesome improvement. All my other blood levels are fine. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
So things so far are going good. I thank everyone for their prayers :)Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-20324938913243445882012-07-20T11:01:00.000-06:002012-07-20T11:10:37.367-06:00My 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<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Images/Cancerinfo/Cancertreatment/ImplantablePort_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="283" width="425" src="http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Images/Cancerinfo/Cancertreatment/ImplantablePort_2011.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
<br />
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 :)<br />
<br />
Thank you for all the prayers and positive thoughts. They are working!<br />
<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-80239177545257306562012-07-11T16:39:00.002-06:002012-07-20T11:02:02.297-06:00I 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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). <br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-66935312973707714952012-07-03T18:18:00.002-06:002012-07-20T11:02:16.351-06:00Sort 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. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084098201074211856.post-86628037646849061972012-06-29T13:40:00.001-06:002012-07-20T11:02:29.983-06:00Chemo #5Getting 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. <br />
<br />
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)<br />
<br />
<i>Side-effects of <b>oxaliplatin</b> treatment can potentially include:<br />
*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]<br />
*Fatigue<br />
*Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea<br />
Neutropenia (low number of a type of white blood cells)<br />
Ototoxicity (hearing loss)<br />
Extravasation if Oxaliplatin leaks from the infusion vein it may cause severe damage to the connective tissues.<br />
Hypokalemia (low blood potassium), which is more common in women than men[9]<br />
In addition, some patients may experience an allergic reaction to platinum-containing drugs. This is more common in women</i><br />
<br />
<b>FU-5</b> Possible side effects<br />
<br />
Common<br />
<br />
<i>low white blood cell count with increased risk of infection<br />
low platelet count with increased risk of bleeding<br />
*darkening of skin and nail beds<br />
*nausea<br />
vomiting<br />
*poor appetite<br />
sores in mouth, lips, or throat<br />
hair loss or thinning (may include face and body hair)<br />
diarrhea<br />
brittle nails<br />
increased sensitivity to sun, with risk of severe sunburn<br />
*dry, flaky, cracking skin<br />
<br />
Less common:<br />
darkening and hardening of vein used for giving the drug<br />
headache<br />
weakness<br />
muscle aches<br />
<br />
Rare:<br />
trouble walking, trouble forming words, and poor coordination<br />
irritated eyes<br />
increased tears, watering eyes<br />
blurred vision<br />
heart problems (chest pain, heart attack, heart failure, changes in electrical conduction and more) that usually get better after the drug is stopped<br />
confusion<br />
*tingling, numbness, or swelling in the hands and feet<br />
severe allergic reaction<br />
death due to infection, bleeding, not being able to process the drug (DPD deficiency), or other causes</i><br />
<br />
<b>Avastin</b><br />
<br />
<i>*Scaly, peeling skin -- in up to 84 percent of people<br />
High blood pressure (hypertension) -- up to 67 percent<br />
Abdominal pain (stomach pain) -- up to 61 percent<br />
*General weakness -- up to 57 percent<br />
Infections -- up to 55 percent<br />
Vomiting -- up to 52 percent<br />
Upper respiratory tract infection (such as the common cold) -- up to 47 percent<br />
*Fatigue -- up to 45 percent<br />
*Loss of appetite -- up to 43 percent.</i><br />
<br />
Constipation<br />
*Nosebleeds<br />
Diarrhea<br />
Headache<br />
Hair loss<br />
Mouth sores<br />
Muscle pain<br />
Shortness of breath<br />
*Dizziness<br />
*Indigestion or heartburn<br />
Changes in taste<br />
Weight loss<br />
Low blood pressure (hypotension)<br />
*Nausea<br />
*Weakness<br />
Dehydration<br />
Voice changes<br />
Dry mouth<br />
Skin sores<br />
<br />
I'm pretty lucky that most of the side effects aren't affecting me.<br />
<br />
My weight and my iron levels are staying the same, which is great. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
I am hoping to have a little break from Chemo/surgery. But I have to do whatever I can to get rid of this.<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17782758869752549769noreply@blogger.com0