Lisa is in the hospital again. She has not been managing her blood sugars properly. She is recovering well and should come home soon. We will be giving her lots of help with her medicine and blood sugar management.

Yesterday

We had fun with the kids Tifiny and Priscilla brought - (just five of them, the rest had to stay back :( home, They got to stay from Friday til Sunday and we loved them to pieces!!!!!!!
Priscilla and Tifinys quite the clever cook! Her food is sooooo.
We have talked with Dr, Klarenet's office and asked for the various reports, they are also goihng to talk with Dr. Rado's office and get me into a better situation. It will take several more days.

In the meantime, I keep crash-landing on everything in the bathroom, Ouch!

Doin normal

so, I'm doing just the normal things...... Eating lasagne from Costco (told Dad we HAD to stop there after the coumadin clinic...) we got us some main dishes for the rest of the week.... Susan and dtr came by - looked good enough for them - not sure what that may be but I'm not anything but tired...... Dawn made a wonderful comment on my last blog. It's had me laughing for quite a while!!! Thank you!!!!!

Dr Klarnet

The doctor has turned this case over. It'a too big for him. My vital signs yesterday were too much -bp 77/55. So, I'll just have to show him - I'll make it past these next few months!!!!! I'll carry on through the 23rd Psalm (This is what's gotten me past the last two months!!!!) I'll finish the last two lessons in my New Testament class!!! Just see! AND PLEASE JUST CHEERY NOTES!!!

Chemo

Today I had chemo at the hospital. They take reallly good care of us there... It was even sunshiny at times today. Hurray! Sure been a sleepy head. Ready for Ground Hog's Day movie - one of my favorites!!!!!

today's schedule

sssssshhhh. I'm going to get a blood draw, see the doctor and go to the coumedon clinic. nothing else... see if we can pull it off without spending the night at the hospital!!!!!

extra caution

I went to the hospital with Mom to get blood work and a "stAt" ct scan. We made sure it was just an hour.......... AT the exact hour, we got up to leave and the doctor cornered us and said we had to be admitted to Er = I have blood clots and have to stay here in the hospital a few more days..........

Lumbar puncture at Hospital

Okay, Mom and I walked in for a lumbar puncture test on Monday, Figured it would be about an hour.... ended up laughing at each other because it was a 7-hour test!
After getting "hydrated" on the IV, there was the TEST and then we had to wait 4 hours while they oberserved me and had me eat dinner. We had to laugh at each other because we weren't sure what else to do! Then I had to spend yesterday all day in bed observing the rules ...... so amazing! No chemo - I'll find out about that today at my doctor appointment.

So next time, find out what's involved with your tests BEFORE HAND!!!!!

Sick anyway

So, I got sick anyway.....I can move around a bit for about 15 seconds, then my ears start pulsing and I crash while I wait for it to end. The anti-nausea meds help some... but can't do much else but watch the world spin. I need help getting around.

POOR Kyle, he's been asking for an ice cream cone for days and then he dr0pped the package and broke them all! So sad.

Readiing

I finished the book "The Undaunted" last week. I can't believe they really did all of that excavating. I guess I would have been one of the "less Chosen" ones rather than go through all of that!

I got a call tonight - they want to do a lumbar something or other next Monday. I think they're just wanting to try out every new fangled test that comes along.

My family is getting sick by degrees. First Jacob, then Taija, then Dad now Max - all throwing up for a day. We've been laundering and washing door knobs and light switches..... I hope I don't get it, too..

Chemo tomorrow

Took the blood test today, things went great. The other tests all came back okay. - The ultrasound and MRI... I get chemo on Tuesday at noon. I take a little less of the steroids... more of the intestine meds...

Feelin groovy.........

I didn't make it to church today - upset stomach - but I've felt pretty well since Lunch time! I even finished a BYU lesson - only 5 more to go on this class.

I have to give blood tomorrow and see the doctor and see what the results of my two tests are(ultrasound and MRI).

Once some good news....

I was going to share with you some very good news. My brain MRI came back with excellent results - all the doctors were very impressed that the tumors there are SHRINKING! Yea!!! Monday Dr. O'Grady told me how unexpected the results were.

Then Monday night I ended up in the hospital because I'd been throwing up for 2 1/2 days and I was dehydrating. I spent the evening/day in the hospital getting rehydrated .... I felt tremendously better that night and early Tuesday morning. The next day, I was supposed to have a Dr. Klarnet (cancer center) appointment and more chemo, but, the soonest I could get out of Kadlec was 11:30 a.m. We got home and back to the cancer center appointment. Dr. Klarnet had a boatload of questions for us that we had absolutely no answers.

We determined from the blood work that I was nauseated again because I need to return to my steroids full-time. Also, my blood platelets levels were skyrocketing - another indication that I need to be back on the steroids. It shows that my body is under a lot of stress. I stayed there at the cancer center getting rehydrated AGAIN and getting more steroids and anti-nausea drugs. They are going to do three tests this week - PET scan, brain MRI and an ultra-sound to see if it's a gall-bladder problem. He said that he's going to start at square one and determine what is going on with my cancer.... and there will be no more chemo until we find out what's going on, either.

So, once there was some good news... maybe there will be more later.....

A big thank you for those who brought us dinner tonight. We certainly needed it and it was delicious!

Finally got treatment...

Yesterday I got my chemo treatment. We had to go to Kadlec due to our insurance situation. It actually worked out very well! I was put in a room with a bed for me (!!) and the nice cozy chair was for Mom. And they insisted that I order a meal since it was all part of the room coverage. Answering their myriad of questions was tiring, but other than that, we're looking forward to next week!

No steroids this time (no extra energy) and no Abraxane... I wish the steroids would leave (so I wouldn't look so fat).... they just keep hanging out in my cheeks...... I went to the dentist today since a side-effect of the zometa (bone strengthener) is degenerating jaw bones... They took some x-rays and said that the aches weren't due to the zometa - I'm so glad! But, they'll have this x-ray to serve as a baseline in case at some point in the future there is a problem.

Treatment is tomorrow

Changed insurance as of the first of the year. This complicated things as far as chemo is concerned. I got my lab work done and visited with the nurse practitioner, but I'll be getting chemo at Kadlec for the next several times. Starting with tomorrow. We got home after only being gone 3 hours! The nurse I got today told me as much or more than the one last week. She said that after going through radiation, it is expected that the scan on my brain shows larger tumors. She said that's why they wait at least 6 weeks before doing an MRI for the swelling to go down. So, drum roll........ my tumors are responding wonderfully to the chemo drugs; they've gone down in size. That's good news for me! So glad that Mom (and Dad) are here to get me everywhere and remember to ask all the good questions.

A few side effects - my fingers are tingly and numb.... my tongue tastes everything strange... My scalp is still really sore (and hanging onto those few whispy locks)...My appetite is way down - I only get a few nibbles down before I'm stufffed...

And, more good news. Saturday I tripped and crashed head-first into the bedroom wall (no, that's not the good news.......) Then I landed on my behind. And know what? I didn't break apart. My worst fear and I survived!!!!! I'm in one piece! Hurray!

Since then

Today - the day after chemo & the steroids - I have enough energy to be up BEFORE 9am and help Kyle pick up some toys and check my e-mail! Imagine! I've been Rip Van Winkle for the past week or so. I also had to have Neuprogena (sp?) shots 3 days last because my white blood cell counts were low. They weren't sure I'd get a treatment this week. But I did and I was glad to get one more treatment down.

The nurse practitioner Mitre saw me yesterday before my treatment. This woman KNEW more or at least SHARED more than everyone else we've seen combined! She gave me an antibiotic and nose spray for my ear/nose infection. She told me that the fact the tumors in the brain or bone and "grown" was not all bad. She said that they would look worse for a few months and then finally show what all the treatments had produced. She said that the one chemo drug Avastin crosses over into the brain and would work on those cancers. The Abraxane would work elsewhere in my bones. I'm so glad that I got to see her and find out all that...

Last night Max took me in for an MRI. I asked the fellow (who'se seen me for the last 3 MRI's) if the different loud sounds made up a pattern. He said, "yes". The different MRI sounds make different pictures. So now we know why we're all but deafened by those noises, Yes?? Hmmmmmm.

We were very fortunate last night to have Lorna bring us dinner. The Relief Society gave us a menu and insisted we use it one day each week for a while. Since we were getting chemo until after 5pm, that meal was a true blessing! We were also blessed to have Kamiakin HS bring us our Christmas meal - they were very very generous in their gifts to us as well! And while we were at Max's relatives home, some sneaky person left Christmas packages for us on our porch.... as did the school up in Richland - I am just overwhelmed! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We have been so blessed throughout all this.

New Skills.....

Yesterday I had a fun visit with Terre, Tracy and Donna! They brought over the softest, fluffiest bath robe on this planet earth! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! And the gummy worms were wonderful, too!

Last night while going through some e-mails, I came across one that was absolutely wonderful. Our church's Relief Society organization put out a call to each of us ladies wanting to know just exactly what skills we are wanting to learn. How can they be of assistance in our lives???? Here is what I replied:


Dear ladies of the Relief Society,

after I got your last e-mail about the skills we'd like to learn, I had me a great think. After pondering for some time, I decided that these are the things that I would like to know how to accomplish:

1. Boeing just came out with a 787... I'd like to know how to fly it.
2. I'd like to learn how to drive one of those oily asphalt rollers.
3. I'd like to learn to orchesterate the music and lights to one of Senske's fancy houses.
4. I really want to know how to produce and manufacture my own insulin
5. Mom says I should learn how to Cure cancer.
6. I'd like to dispose of 2 dogs and 20 cartons of magazines without my hubby noticing.

If you could arrange to teach me these skills, I would greatly appreciate it!
tHANKS !!!!!
lISA

Feelin a breeze.....

Okay, so I had chemo yesterday. They gave me Avastin (clear) and Abraxane (milky colored) as well as Zometa for my bones.... The bag of steroids I got kept me awake most of the night and gave me energy today. I even took a photo of me. Without my hat! AaAAAAAAaaaaagh. It's a rather nasty, revealing photo of my condition, but I thought I'd show you what the steroids and radiation have accomplished. Now you can go tell your kiddies to never, never. never get cancer!!!! Though I didn't look this way last time, I was bald..... and I normally have a hat on so that I'm less scary.

Sunday

I'm pretty pleased with myself - got to part of church today! I was too exhausted to stay for all of it. Had a great talk with Karen who has gone through a lot of what I have and has taught me tons about life! And I think I've worked myself all up over the chemo tomorrow..... keep "tossin the cookies" as one person says.

Faye brought me flowers and Roseann brought me over a warm cancer hat yesterday - so nice! Thank you!!! Thought I'd share some details with you: ever since that first surgery, I get to run to the water closet every two hours. without fail. But to get up off the bed or couch, I have to position my right arm and brace it for the inevitable shock of pain that comes when I swing my legs up and over, up and over and then use my left hand to manipulate me up... so my left hip - which is particularly weak - can come to a stand. At this point in time, nobody had better stand in my way - I hobble along imagining what it must feel like to be the giant slug, Jabba, from Star Wars fame! (And since the steroids have done their thing, I'm nice and plump to boot!)

No. I've a better analogy: with this warm cancer hat I look like a Smurf! Really! It's great.

Hold to the rod.....

The rod in my arm is sore, sore sore - with this cold snap we have here in Kennewick! Hopefully it will warm up this weekend.....

Dr Klarnet, my oncology doctor said we're starting chemo on Monday. He's not wanting me to go for the brain tumors just yet. The doctors will have to talk together about this. I'm just along for the ride, it would seem.

We're really blessed, I know I've had a few cries over this, but people have been so incredibly generous! We got a delightful bright red bag yesterday - thank you to this anonymous person(s). And the fruit basket from the ward and their singing was super! Thank you!!!!!!!

MRI NEWS

I told Mom today that I haven't had a single bit of good news from any of my MRI's so far.... Well. to continue in that tradition.... Sunday's MRIs showed that the cancers in my head have grown. The neurosurgeon was very surprised to learn that I have already FINISHED my radiation. He wants a more aggressive treatment plan and is going to talk with Dr. Rege (radiation doc) He did say that the radiation I've gotten probably killed off a lot of "baby" cancers that can't be seen.

Actually, his office just called and they've scheduled another brain MRI for next week and an appointment to see him. Is he thinking more surgery? ?????

The other cancer in my hips and sacral area - still there. So I had me a little cry on the way out the door. Oh, he told me to load up on B vitamins and get out and get some exercise. No more sleeping 18-20 hours per day. And the shaking? He says it's coming off the steroids and all the trauma my body has been through in the past many weeks.

balding

My hair is rapidly disappearing. Each brushful has me wondering it it's my last.....
I've also been so exhausted since Thurday that I have done nothing but sleep and sleep and sleep! My sister and her husband came up Friday and stayed until today. I am so lucky that they came!!! What fun they are!

This weeek we have three doctor appointments. One for my arm, one for the MRI's done on my head and sacrum and the next day to plan my chemo treatments.

Finished radiation!

Today I finished my radiation treatments - have a certificate to prove it! They also sent me home with my lovely white-plastic mesh mask. Each day it was placed over my head and screwed to the table below me. Can't imagine what I'll do with it - wear it for Halloween next year maybe??? They gave me one less treatment on my pelvic area. Better for my bowels, they said.

So, I have the MRI Sunday, arm dr. appointment Tuesday, Surgeon appointment for reviewing the MRI on Wednesday and chemo doctor on Thursday. In talking with the chemo people today, they aren't starting my next rounds until after Christmas - on the 30th. I'd like to get it over with, but I guess they're thinking to spare me the side effects for now....... can't imagine why else...

Anyway, Mom and Dad helped me celebrate my finishing radiation by treating me to Panda Express! It's funny, cuz I asked her to get me some egg rolls from the freezer for lunch.... and she had a bag from Panda Express instead! It was marvelous!

Stray thoughts...

I've had this thought the past few days. In August, Max's brother and family came up to visit Washington. We all went out bowling. Bowling, mind you... including me. I picked up the ball and tossed it down the lane. Didn't hit too many, but I was playing......

Okay, switch that thought to October 10th or so - when I picked up a blanket and broke my arm. I'm just amazed that the cancer was so aggressive! Hmmmmmmmm.... What kind of fluke was it?

I have one radiation appointment left: tomorrow. Did my last Taxol chemo today. I won't have any more chemo treatments until after next week when I talk to the doctor about a new drug: Abraxaine. It's similar to the Taxol but designed for metastisis.

This Sunday I am going to get MRI's of my head and tailbone. I am eager to see what the cancers have done. Hopefully, they will all be gone! I've gone through enough steroid treatments to shrink anything to the size of raisins! Everytime I get headaches or complain of anything, that's what they give me. I am so swollen in the face that I have stretch marks on my cheeks. (And my radiation mask squishes me all up!!!) Can't wait to FINALLY finish with them.... (I'm down to 1/2 tablet twice a day.)

My sister and her husband are coming up to visit this weekend. I can't wait to see them!

Side Effects....

Started losing some hair yesterday. Sad day. ALso,GI effects taking place, too. I couldn't get to church as a result. Having family here is a blessing for me. They are such a great support!

Chemo and Radiation... and Thanksgiving!

Just finished radiation #6 and chemo #2 (Taxol). The chemo doesn't seem to bother me so much as the stuff I took last year. I AM GLAD!! It is sunshiny outside, too. What more could I ask for? McDonald's and a chocolate shake? Got that, too! Yum.

I am thankful for my parents who've come up to take care of me every day... And For my family. I know that they're most important!!

Happy Thanksgiving :)

I am a sleepy girl....

I've been taking the anti-nausea medications. THey make me really sleepy. I'd rather sleep right now than be nauseated, though. It's a combination of the radiation on my head and the chemo that I started on Tuesday or WEdnesday. I'm not sure when right now.... sigh......

We went to Kyle's school on Thursday (that day is right) to see his Life SKills classroom and Mrs. C He was absolutely thrilled to be there and everyone was glad to see him, too! I'm glad we went:) We also took my Daddy out to dinner that night at the Great Wall Chinese Buffet. I was in heaven with all the yummy food and everyone else had a great time, too. It's fun to see Kyle pile up the crab legs and fish and delicacies that we don't have around home.

Mom and I went to a luncheon today - a potluck - my favorite! But, I ate too much and we had to leave a bit early. I finished reading Dan Brown's newest book "The Lost Symbol." The author doesn't know how to end a book... he kept on going and going and going trying to redeem himself from revealing so much about the Masons, I suppose. Anyway, I was glad to have something to read for a change. It's the first novel I've read this Fall. Now I need something new.... any ideas?

My mother=in-law and sister-in-law are coming tomorrow to sit with me while Mom goes to Church. What a sweet idea! I went to Sacrament Meeting last week, then came home to rest. THis time I'll be at home with my stomach doing its thing. Oh, wait, I forgot. I've been keeping up a mantra: I feel great, I feel fine. I feel great, I feel fine....

Scary Photos - view with caution!!!!!

Got my cables together and uploaded my photos.....


So, one of these is my head from 2 1/2 weeks ago... can you guess which?

I did chemo today - they can give Taxol while at the same time doing radiation, so I did that, along with a cocktail of benadryl, aluxi (sp?- a powerful anti-nausea), steroids (I am definitely bloated and looking like the good-year blimp lately!) and zanax. I also got zometa - bone juice. It took from 9:30am until 2:30 to do that. I had to "do labs" - give blood; visit with the doctor and then two hours of chemo. I didn't get radiation in today because their machines weren't working. I'm kinda glad, cuz I was so worn out after being on the other side of the building all day.

Back when I broke my arm and they put the rod down inside it at KGH:


Arm full of plastic iv stuff ready for brain surgery.....



There are more photos, but now the internet won't let me upload them.... these Really are scary photos!!!

New Tattoos

Went to two doctor appointments today. I start chemo next week in addition to the radiation. I had the forms made today for next week's radiation - a mesh mask for my head and they added tattoos to my right arm and pelvis for those areas. I guess I'll be beautifully covered with dots (got tattoos for the breast area when they did it last year). Larry and Kurt - the radiation guys - same as last time sent me through the CT scan a few times and had me all marked up. Guess I'm ready!

Went to Albertsons today - got to ride around in their little electric cart and get some of their specials. That's two places I've been now that weren't doctor's offices! Yippee!

Radiation on Monday

Went to Dr Rege today. She is anxious to get started on radiation. Dr Klarnet's anxious to start chemo - they're wanting to do both at the same time, but Dr Rege said she's not ever done radiation on the brain while the patient was receiving chemo. She wants me to check and make sure tomorrow when I go to Dr Klarnet's office. I have re-read Rochell's blog from last year when she found out the cancer had gone to her brain. The similarities are remarkable. Being on steroids, taking zometa...

Mom and I were right on when it came to knowing they should do the MRI on my left hip. Turns out there's cancer in both hips as well as the sacrum and arm and brain. So, they will radiate all those places. I shed a few tears. Mom, too. After the radiation I may get a second opinion from UW. Just so we know what's out there. That's what Dr. Rege suggested.

I had Max get some bath mats for the tub so I won't slip. I'm paranoid now about falling and breaking a hip. My hip has felt just like my arm did before it broke. Mom and I were laughing tonight and decided that I need a "lift chair" hung from the ceiling that swings me through the house!

Yesterday, Mom and I went to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers meeting. I give the lessons once a month. I missed last month as I was having the rod put in my arm, but I realized that as I entered the church it was the first non-medical place (besides home) that I've been in over 7 weeks! They gave me a lovely framed certificate for being their lesson leader, too. I think I'm spoiled!