My Kid Sister

Happy birthday sweet Cathy.Sometimes it is hard to look at pictures .... it shouldn't be so, but my heart aches at the loss.  In each picture, she is smiling.  So carefree. We are going to visit her at the gravesite today and release balloons.  It has been something we have done since she has been gone (Dec 1, 2007).  Our group is getting smaller as we are spread in distance, but we each think of her in our own way .... I'm sure every day, not just today. I love you and miss you and can't wait to see you again! We...

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Radiation Planning

I received a call from Kevin at the radiologist today.  I am set up to do some more planning on June 1 @ noon.  I will be using a new table and technique, so he wants to be sure that it is "do-able".  I will keep you posted!Didn't get a lot done over the weekend.  Slept most of it away.Sis did make me some pretty scarves from material I picked up from Joanne's. I'll be sure to so you the finished produc...

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Clinical Trial - Results

I received a call from Dr R about the Clinical Trial.  He said he wanted to call me personally to tell me that we can't move forward with the trial.  One of the qualifiers is that radiation must be started NO LATER than 6 months after surgery.  This Sunday will be 6 months and the "overseers" would take another two weeks to review the treatment plan.  Then he said he "didn't feel comfortable waiting that long to start treatment".I have mixed feelings about that statement.So, I am awaiting the call from the scheduling office to set me up for 6-1/2 weeks of daily radiation.Yippee...

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Mamaw

My heart goes out to my brother-in-law, sister and family for the passing of Mamaw. They are traveling today to be with family and friends.  Vada, may God comfort you and give you peace.Oceans of love ~Road Going Ho...

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Back on Coumadin

This morning, I met Nurse Michael to do a final review on the clinical trial for the radiation treatment. Once the MRI and blood work comes back, we will know if I qualify.  Should know this week!  The computer randomizes the "arm 1" and "arm 2" (6 weeks or 3 weeks).  The "boost" is not a big difference from the standard treatment (1.0 vs 1.5).  I mentioned to Michael that my symptoms were back from when the port had created the blood clots. Its been about 2 weeks since getting off the Coumadin. So, Michael wanted...

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Echo

This morning I had an echo.  Got all jelled up for the ultrasound on my heart before my work day began.  Results should be ready 24-48 hours.I still amazes me at the many people I meet through this journey who have compassion and want to know my story.  They speak to me of theirs. It is very humbling and I'm thankful for those encounters.And when they hug me and tell me they are praying for me ....it speaks volume...

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Getting out of the City

Sunday, Matt & I met friends for lunch and ended up spending the day with them in the country.  The weather was beautiful and the sky blue.  We headed in the direction of Pennsylvania and it was amazing how the landscape changed. We stopped by their home and enjoyed the hens! Then, we went to an old abandoned farmhouse built around 1940. The buildings were delapitated, but there was a newer home on the property. Farmland all around.  I found beauty in everything!  What a wonderful day!Ice cream afterwards!!We...

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Clinical Trial & Tattoos

Have I mentioned how tired I am? Do I sound like a broken record?Yesterday was a long day.7:40am - Arrived at the clinic for my Herceptin drip.  My appointment was for 8:00, but I thought arriving early to get my blood work done would speed up the process. Wrong ...7:50am - Approach the receptionist window "do you want me to go ahead and get my blood tests done at the labs"..... "no, you are not scheduled for blood tests this time, besides they don't open until 8:00"  Note to self - life is full of waiting, just accept it8:10am...

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Quick Update

I'm in my 2nd full week of work and TIRED.  Last night I went to bed at 8:30. I'm working longer hours to make up time for doctor appointments, chemo and tests.  Tomorrow is my Herceptin drip (30 min, every 3 weeks). After that, I head over to the Radiologist to find out when my treatments will start.  I've talked to those involved in the clinical trial and it turns out that I may not qualify because of pre-existing conditions on the list.  I will know for sure tomorrow.My prayers are with Jane right now.  The tumor removed was the size of a small watermelon attached to ovaries and other organs. ...

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Mango Could Be World's Healthiest Fruit

Mango Could Be World's Healthiest FruitApril 24, 2012 Already one of the world's most popular fruits, scientists are discovering that mangos may also be one of the healthiest. Image: Zantastik, WikimediaAlready one of the world's most popular fruits, scientists are discovering that mangos may also be one of the healthiest. New research, presented this week at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) meeting in San Diego, not only suggests people who eat mangos have a better diet, but the fruit also contains...

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Clinical Trial ~ Yes or No

Today was my follow-up with Doc Esther after my 6th & last chemo session.  She liked my numbers! Took me off of coumadin!!! And said that the welts I have from the chemo will begin to fade in about two weeks.  Also, she said my hair will begin to grow.  I've just about lost both eyebrows and I'm doing a lousy job drawing them in.  Not like my post Express YourselfShe also wanted to talk to me about a clinical trial to consider.  At first, I was all about helping other women by participating in research. ...

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Our Last Meal

The time spent with Casey is coming to an end.  We take her to the airport tomorrow.Tonight, we took both girls to dinner at Quaker Steak & Lube.  That is the first time that I've been and Matt has been wanting to go for years.  We finally did it.  I kept my meal light with soup & salad.  It was great just hanging with the girls.  I sure do miss that.As I heal from the last chemo and prepare for the next plan of attack ~ radiation ~ I've been giving myself pep talks.  It is amazing that I made...

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Celebrating Education

My daughter is celebrating graduation for her Masters.  She has been a student for 22-1/2 years of her life.  That is a long time! I just wish I was in better health to celebrate fully.  Friday was a ceremony called "Hooding".  Matt had to be my camera man, as I was too weak and sick to make it.  Each student was honored with a short autobiography and their sashes.The commencement was Saturday morning.  With the help of a borrowed wheelchair, I was able to make it.  It was very beautiful and I loved...

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The 6th & Last Cocktail

It's been 6 days since writing .... been asleep for most of it.April 26 was my 6th chemo session .... at least with the cocktail.  I will continue Herceptin thru the remainder of the year, every 3rd Thursday. Filling out my side effect surveyMy oldest daughter arrived with me and stayed the whole day.  They have changed the lab work which gave results a lot quicker.  Nurse Regina cared for me this time. Because of the port in one arm and surgery on the other, blood pressure has to be taken on my leg/ankle.Blood Pressure...

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