Done, Done, and Done

No more treatments, no more doctors (for at least a month) and no more cancer.  Friday was my last radiation treatment and other than this blog, I didn't really have to think about cancer much at all.  My radiation-burned skin is healing nicely and some areas areas area actually fading away.  My arm movements are back to normal.  What a glorious day in the neighborhood.  I also had a job interview last Friday with Johnson County Community College for a part-time worker in their assessment office.  I think it went well.  They have a few more interviews to do this week and then will give the lucky two or three a call-back for a second interview later this week.  I am also completing paperwork to be a substitute teacher in the Shawnee Mission School District where I live (the daily pay rate is very good!).  The JCCC job is only three days/nights a week so other days at my discretion could be spent subbing with unsuspecting rugrats who don't know me from Adam.   If you're going to be a sub that would seem to be a good situation to walk into and out of at the end of the day.  So here's to a good week and a possible job that would be a great fit for me.  

Radiation Therapy--Round 1--Last Day

I had my 25th and last radiation treatment of the chest wall and underarm area today.  My chest wall is healing nicely due to the week off and my underarm area is easily irritated by clothing and stretching.  It feels like my underarm skin area is a couple of sizes too small.  :)  But, this too shall pass.  My radiologist drew an interesting diagram on my masectomy scar area for five extra treatments next week to once again try to destroy any microscopic cancer cells that still might have a microscopic brain cell to think with.  This only chemotherapy/radiation therapy regimen has fought to serve this same purpose and I have to believe that they were successful.  So one more week and I can take some time off from cancer doctors and treatments and attempt to put cancer in the back of my mind for awhile.  My new focus will be on trying to find some part time work and continuing to monitor my hair growth.  It appears that gray will be my predominant color for the time being anyway.  :)  I had a nice cool jog this morning though still sweating when I got done.  I'm getting a little stronger and a little faster.  I have yet to jog the whole four-mile loop but I am walking the uphills only a couple of time now.  Mind over matter at this point.  Get out there and take advantage of this nice "cool" weekend coming up....at least around KC anyway. 

Radiation Therapy--Holding at 20

The lift-off for completing breast cancer therapy has been put on hold at 20.  The doctor wanted to give my skin a rest before completing the last five radiation treatments.  The skin looked a lot worse than it felt, but the doctor did not want it to get any worse.  I have never had any pain from the chest area, but the irritation under my arm has bee aggravating.  So I am just hanging out this week letting my skin breathe.  It looks a lot better today, if I do say so myself.  I will go back next Monday and hopefully they will let me finish the cycle.  I may have a few extra treatments under my arm the following week.  I'm still hanging in there with my 6 a.m. jog/walks.  I look forward to getting into cooler weather so I can turn that alarm off.   

Radiation--Day 15

Two-thirds done and I am building up quite a radiation skin burn.  A neat little 6 by 6 inch square that is being zapped every day.  No real pain, but it really itches especially at night.  I have a sulfa cream to help the healing process so that I can keep going for another 10 treatments.  I can use aloe vera gel and hydrocortisone cream for itching and a couple other things if I choose to.  I don't want to have to stop for a break so I hope the sulfa cream does it's job well.  Having Saturday and Sunday off should help, but it could get to the peeling, blistering stage with another 10 treatments.  Hope not.....but probably will according to the nurse and doctor.  My scalp is beginning to darken with some hair growth but it is a really painfully slow process.    I saw the oncologist this week and all my blood work is still getting better as my body recovers from the chemo.  I'll start taking tamoxifen once I get through with radiation.  I feel good and am looking forward to having cancer activities take a back burner this fall.  I'll still see the doctors every few months but I'm going to look for a part-time job of some sort to get me out of the house and busy with other things.
It's been a long 6 months looking back but it has gone by very fast.  I don't want a repeat performance.
It would be nice if the hot weather would take a break but that doesn't look like it's happening any time soon so I will continue my jog/walk at 6:00 a.m. for now.  That's not a bad time of the day to get going.

Radiation--Day 10

Nine treatments down, sixteen to go.  No ill effects so far and only faint skin reactions.  Actually I'm not sure my skin is reacting at all, but it probably should be according to what they tell me. :)  I go back to my oncologist next Wednesday for another blood analysis and a quick check-in.  I will probabaly get a prescription to tamoxifin for the next five years.  My head looks like a budding chia pet  with just some darkening fuzz on the top.  Slow but sure.  I have heard that there is some research out there into using those commericial hair products to speed up growth but I don't think I'm there yet.  I'm doing my 4-mile jog-walk every morning.  It used to take me an hour and now I'm down to 54 minutes.  That's probably where it will stay until the weather gets a little cooler.  It's basically just one of those "get 'er done" kind of tasks that I am glad to check off early in the morning.  I am also trying to do some toning exercises in the afternoon, a little abs work, and some upper body conditioning.  I'm not very consistent with those, but it can only get better.  Heat is building this week so you have to get out early to enjoy some morning movement. 

Radiation Day 1

I saw my oncologist yesterday to get a final checkup and all of the blood count numbers are good.  He said that they should continue to increase as my body continues to outgrow the effects of chemo.  He said that I could notice some beginning hair growth as early as next week.  Then it would probably take about three months to grow to about an inch in length.  So that means possibly my own hair length back by Christmas.
He gave me the go ahead for radiation treatments and wants to see me again in three weeks to see how that is going.  He will then probably prescirbe Tamoxifin for me to take orally over the next five years.  I'm already scheduled for my first radiation treatment this afternoon.  We will then set up a daily M-F schedule for the next five weeks. It's about a 20 minute drive to the clinic and about 15 minutes or so for a treatment once we get going.  So looks like about an hour a day will be on my schedule for July.   It's good to see gas prices going down.  :)    I'm still taking my daily walk/jog each morning and have been adding in some afternoon upper body and toning exercises.  It must be working since I have been sore from the new demands on my muscles.  Looks like we are going to have a few sweltering days of heat in good old KC
so stay cool and Happy 4th of July.

Radiation Go

I have deemed chemotherapy officially over as of yesterday since it would have been the first day of a new cycle.  I will have a relaxing celebration of its end overy dinner with friends tomorrow night.  Now all I have to do is keep my new and improved cells reproducing at faster rate and enjoy the increased energy, losing the runny nose, healing up residual mouth issues and watching for fuzz to begin growing on my head (and elsewhere that hair should be).  I saw my radiologist today, we took some pictures, and set up my radiology therapy schedule.  I will begin next Thursday and continue M-F for about 5 weeks.  If all has gone well, she wants to do some extra "bonus" treatments under my arm since that is where the cancer was trying to set up shop with its nasty tendrils of alien cancer cells.  That could produce some extra sore spots under my arm, but her positive remark was....skin will reproduce itself in a while and we don't want any microscopic cancer cells taking up residence in their old homestead.  My walking/jogging stamina is beginning to build back up and my jogging time is starting to overtake my walking time.  I'm down from a 60-minute walk to a 46-49 minute jog/walk.  I need to get my weight band routine going again along with those wonderful sit-ups and push-ups for some increased upper body workouts.  I'm having some company this weekend and going to a Royals game.  A good time will be had by all----I wish you the same.

C-Last Round-D7

Days 4 - 6 passed uneventfully.  Stomach is still a little rocky but nothing that keeps me from eating what I want to, though it does have a tendency to keep the portions smaller.  That is one tendency that wouldn't be bad to have around after the effects begin to really wear off.  I am walking about 3.6 miles every morning.  I start out jogging but don't make it very far before the walking takes over.  My jog is barely past a walk anyway so I figure I might as well let myself get a little stronger before any serious jogging.  It takes me about an hour whether I jog or not so there you go.  It's usually fairly cool with often a breeze and I have great audio books to listen to.  I'm not getting any online grading jobs right now but I have the Praxis tests grading confirmed for next week.  More folks looking for jobs as teachers...many need to reconsider.  I see my radiologist next week to map out a treatment plan for the radiation of my chest wall and under arm areas that could most likely be hit by any leftover microscopic cancer cells.  I can't imagine that any are still standing after the chemo, but these are all precautions to keep a cancer from sneaking back to these two areas later.  It's a great day here in KC with low temp and low humidity, not something you get often in summer time.  Hope you had time for a walk today.

C-R6-D3---Last Round of Chemo

Wednesday was my last chemo treatment and I had my magic shot yesterday.  Today, of course, is a yucky day while I wait for my stomach to right itself.....for the last time.  I see the doctor in three weeks to get what I hope are my final walking papers from his office, at least for a while.  I don't know how often I will see the oncologist, but I am sure he will give me an oral prescription of some kind.  I will be getting in touch with the radiologist soon to set up a planning session for my radiation treatments.  I am assuming I will be going to her office every day (except weekends) for at least 30 days which is pretty much standard treatment.  My next big milestone, other than getting through these next two or three days, is seeing my hair begin to grow.  Yeah!!!!!  It will be at least a  month I think.  I guess the hair follicles have to wake up from their 4 months sleep to realize that the coast is clear and the Pac-troops have  vacated the war zone.    Can't wait to see the new "do". 

C-R5-D14

Feeling good.  Had a good weekend.  Drove down to Springfield to see the family.  Good food, good stories, especially the ones about losing things. :)  My energy levels are good and my stamina on the jog/walks is improving.  I cut 5 minutes off my 3.6 mile jog/walk time this morning.  Good thing it was cool and a nice breeze blowing.  I am looking foward to my last chemo treatment tomorrow and having as good a recovery week as I had this last round.  I will see the doctor to get my send-off appointment and probably a 5-year prescription for an oral medication to continue to fight the development of cancer cell growth.  I will then make plans to begin my radiation therapy in the next few weeks. I look forward to continuing my physical improvements and getting back to my previous activities.  Try a walk in the morning and enjoy the start of a new day. 

C-R5-D8

Things are going well in round five especially since I am back in familiar territory.  I had a great weekend with a small cookout on Memorial Day with good friends, good food, and a couple of good movies.  No severe reactions of any kind, appetite is good though energy levels wane at times.  I have just had to learn to take things a little slower.  I can get the yard mowed just fine but it is more like taking the scenic route right now rather than my usual express route.  The lawn and flowers are looking good with all of the rain we've had.  I'll have to remember to give the flowers a spritz every day or so now that the rains have passed.  I got to resume my first jog/walk this morning after about three weeks of just barely walks.  I could probably walk as fast as I was jogging but it felt good to pick up the pace a little on the downhill slopes.  I went about 3 miles or so all together and it was 60 minutes of continual movement.  I'm going to try to work on my stamina this next week as I am on the uphill slope for my blood counts.  I hope to jog a few more steps each day and walk a few less.  Now that it's getting warmer I'll have to get my activities going earlier in the morning, not a bad thing.  I have my last treatment next Wednesday.  Yahooooooo.  So get out there and move around a little today and don't forget to appreciate what it means to feel good. 

C-R6-D2

And the good news is...."No more taxotere".  Wednesday was a rather eventful day in the chemo room.  There were about 7 or 8 of us in various stages of treatment when the tornado sirens went off and we had to move to anThe inner hallway for about 20 - 30 minutes.  My oncology nurse had not had an opportunity to talk with my doctor the day before so we were waiting for a call from his that morning to see what my drug of choice would be.  In the meantime I was just getting my stream of pre-meds to prepare my body for the cancer drug.  The call from the doctor came in during the tornado watch that he thought the taxotere had definitely conflicted with my body chemistry and that instead of changing to a different drug we would just finish up with two more treatments of my previous two-drug combo.  I was quietly expressing my joy despite the seriousness of the tornado updates.  I have met the enemy with my previous treatments and I know I can handle it.  Plus I will be done ahead of schedule even though I have been delayed a week while recovering from the last treatment.  Once we were back in the chemo room I finished my treatment while dozing in the chair with weather updates in the background.  I have only one more treatment on June 8 (blood counts willling) and will start my radiation treatments after that.   It is wonderful to have this first end in sight.
I had no significant problems at all with radiation last time and don't anticipate any problems this time.
Here's to a good weekend.  I hope yours is as well. 

C-R5-D20

After re-reading my last post I can tell that I was operating on "chemo-brain".  There was at least one statement that didn't make sense.  This too shall pass and I shall try to do a better job of thinking and typing.  It has been a mostly uneventful last few days.  I was still taking Tylenol for chills and fever on Thursday but could go longer between doses before the chills kicked in.  Nights were broken up by changing wet t-shirts and taking more Tylenol.  Friday I went most of the day without Tylenol, one dose about 3:30 in the afternoon for fever.  Friday night I just went to bed without taking my temp or taking Tylenol.  More wet t-shirts to change during the night.  I haven't taken any Tylenol since that last dose.  I think I can feel some slight fluctuations in my temperature but have decided just to ignore it.  I am feeling stronger and am getting my equilibrium back.  I am wearing shorts and t-shirts again rather than jeans and long-sleeve shirts (for the chills) so that is a good sign.  I am enjoying meals more.  My hands and arms had some pealing skin issues due to the taxotere...a common side effect.  That is better as well.
Nights still find me waking up a couple of times with a damp t-shirt so I'm still not sure what that is about.  And let's not forget the tornado sirens at 11:00 Saturday evening.  Those always help lower the stress level from a taxing day.  :)  I am so glad the really severe weather passed us by once again. Wednesday is my 6th treatment day and I'm not sure what that will bring, but I really hope it is not taxotere.  I'm off for a little longe walk this morning to build up some stamina for the next round.
Don't forget to add some extra movement to your own routine.

C-R5-D16

Yes, I am still on round 5.  I did not get a treatment yesterday.  I am still fighting the chills and fever but we have the reasons narrowed down to two possibilities.  My blood culture test is still showing no results and the antibiotic I took for five days didn't knock out the fever so I probably don't have a bacterial infections.  Other test results indicate that my body is trying to fight some kind of infection which would make it a viral infection and my body will just have to continue to fight.  However, my doctor noted that he had a patient a few months ago with the same drug protocol as mine and she had the same chills and fever reaction when she had her first dose of taxatere.  They eventually determined that her body had an adverse reaction to the drug itself and they changed her treatment.  So my problem is..........we don't know which one it is at this point. 
So they sent me home to let my body balance itself and hopefully sooner rather than later this sequence of chills and fever will fade away.  I will go back next Wednesday for my next treatment.  The doctor will determine whether it is taxotere or something else.  I am definitely leaning toward "something else".  Since my symptoms for an infection of some kind have been almost non-existent, I find it hard to believe that my body wouldn't have righted itself before now.  A severe reaction to the taxotere seems much more likely to me  but then I'm not an oncologist.  I can only think positive and try to enjoy my extra drug-free week.  I hope I can get a short walk in today between showers. 

C-R6?-D1

Well it's supposed to be a treatment day today, but I am not at all sure that my body is ready for another onslaught.  I am still fighting some kind of infection that is not showing up in the tests we've done so far.  I am still having chills and fever every day, still scarfing Tylenol, and still waiting to find out what this is all about. 
My blood tests indicate that I should be able to fight off minor infections, but its not happening.  I have become so out of tune with my body that I am not sure how I am supposed to feel anymore.  Last week my fever would jump up several tenths and I wouldn't even be aware of it until I tood my temperature.  I've always been a healthy person before the breast cancer with only the usual colds maybe once a year and maybe the flu once or twice in my whole life.  I've never even had a doctor's prescription for anything until this set of circumstances has set itself up in my life.  I'm going to my treatment armed with questions and will hopefully come away with some answers that make sense.  I have to believe this too shall pass.  I did get a walk in yesterday for the first time in many days and it felt pretty good just to be outside.  Take a turn outside today yourself and think positive thoughts for me.

C-R5-D12

What a week I have had or should I say "weak".  I have been fighting a fever daily most of this last week.  The doctor warned me that I might experience a fever mid-cycle due to the new medicine furiously zapping white blood cells during the first few days.  Mid-cycle is the low point and then the next 7 days have the magic shot of neulasta building those little white cells back up again.  My fever those  was off the charts and I had to call in for consulations and finally go in to the office for a blood count.  All of my numbers however seemed to be pretty normal and high enough to fight infection.  I was snarfing down Tylenol every few hours and taking my temperature multiple times per hour.  The oncology nurse was very calming and supportive but that doesn't help much in the middle of the night.  My good friend, L, came over in the evenings just to keep me company and was ready to whisk me off to the emergency room if needed and I was close at one point.
By Friday morning I gave some more blood so they could run a culture and find out what was causing the fever.  I got a heavy duty antibiotic to take for five days.  On Monday we will get some initial test results.  I am finally feeling better today but am afraid to say it out loud and take the chance on waking up the fever gremlins for another onslaught.  My family came in for the weekend to attend my nephew's graduation from William Jewell which I had to pass on.  My sister came bearing wonderful chicken soup, my sister-in-law produced a tender and flavorful pork roast and my brother cut the yard.  Everyone supported me during the multiple takings of the temperature.  Having them here was great even if I had little energy to add to the party.  I am due for another treatment Wednesday.....can't wait???????  Haven't got to walk in awhile and sure miss it.  Having a cold, blustery weekend however did make it easier to just hang out in the TV chair.
Let's hope round 6 is a vast improvement.....only two more to go after that. 

C-R5-D7

Taxotere is really a bear.  I know now why chemo patients would want to stay in bed and pull the covers over their heads.  It is hard to get moving in the mornings.  I slept through most of the night without waking which is great, but awoke with a little fever this morning.  This particular drug is know to cause fevers about mid-cycle and then the body starts to recover.  (That's my hope anyway.)  If the fever gets too high it could be a sign of infection due to low blood counts so I will monitor, take some Tylenol, and drink plenty of liquids. I also have a little swelling in my hands, especially the right one.  If the Pac-troops were my symbol for the first two drugs, then these new forces must be similar to the Navy Seals who took out Osama Ben Laden....real serious dudes.  I just have to believe that they're getting the job done.  I've been working online quite a bit this last week, so that at least has given me something to do.  One of my jobs involves grading Praxis questions for individuals who are trying to get temporary certification to teach in mathematics.  So far, most of the questions I've graded, I didn't know much about until I read the expected responses.  How things have changed in education over the last 40 years.  Well, I was really hoping to get out and walk this morning, but need to wait until the temp goes down.  Don't skip on your exercise today.    

C-R5-D2

Did you notice the R5?  I am officially on the downhill side of chemo and actually feeling pretty good after the injection of this new drug Taxotare or something like that.  Hardly any stomach discontent at all, yeah! And no swelling of extremities of any kind.....yet, that is.  I'm told that I may experience a zonk next Wednesday, possibly a fever of some kind indicating the onset of some kind of infection.  This drug can do a number on the blood count at an earlier stage than the last set of drugs.  I'm not sure what "infection" means but I'm supposed to call the office if I have a definitive fever.  Since I didn't experience any zonks with the last set of drugs, I am hopeful that Wednesday will pass without incident as well.  There could also be a rash on the palms of your hands that will actually peel the skin so I am hoping to get a pass on that symptom as well.
I hope to keep my exercise regimen going such as it is and just keep putting one foot in front of the other.  I have some online work coming in now so something to do for pay is great as well.  Looks like it's going to be a great weekend so get out there and do some moving.   

C-R4-D11

16,22,30...my first three picks for the next mega-millions drawing or how many minutes into my 4-mile jog I can make before I start walking.  I still have hopes that I'll make the whole thing before round 5 next Wednesday, but it's debatable.  If I had a less hilly course I could probably do it but the up-slopes are challenging with chemo residual effects riding on my shoulders.  Once I clear the next hill I can start jogging again so most of the 4-miles is jogging which gives me a mental boost.  I probably walked the last five hills this morning so I'm doing pretty well.  That means I jogged 8-9.  Yeah!  That also means that now that I've tried to remember them, I'll probably have to count them just so I have some other markers for my physical recovery.  All in all this has been a pretty good week.  My stomach seemed to recovery faster than usual but I had sore wisdome teeth for most of the week.  Did you know that your jaws and tongue don't function as  well when your wisdom teeth are sore?   That's mostly gone today as well.  I finally got some flowers planted and the yard looks really well right now.  I'm currently being lazy and watching a St. Louis Cardinal baseball game which doesn't happen often in KC.  I'm heading out to re-sand the patio later.  Get out today and gets some fresh air and exercise....any movement will work.  :)

C-R4-D5

It was a great Easter Sunday, hair or no hair, my stomach or the one on loan for the next few days.  I had brunch with a great group of friends with my contribution being an egg casserole that I had never made before.  Considering all of the embellishments, I was just hoping for edible and got "yummy" instead.  Now I've got my own recipe that works.  Round four chemo is in the past along with the half-way point of  this leg of the journey.  Friday was its usuall nasty self with the day of rain just making my trek from chair to chair to sofa to chair to bed with blanket in tow a day of passage.  Let's just get it over with and move on is my motto for this phase of chemo.  I did get in a thirty-minute plod around the hood just to remind the chemo cancer-zappers that I'm still in control.   I still believe in the old Nike slogan "Just Do It".  I used to have a key chain with that slogan that got me through my stint as a middle-school administrative type so it can certainly get me through chemo as well.   I was going to do a little more patio work this afternoon but nap-time settled in and took that time slot.  The patio is officially done and looks pretty good but I just found out that the sand I so meticulously swept into the cracks will need to be replaced every time it rains until it packs itself down into the crevices.  It did indeed disappear last Friday after a day of rain, but I was expecting that.
My landscaping consultant gave me the news about frequency of replacement.  Oh well, I don't have any current projects under advisement other than getting some flowers in the pots for the front porch, deck and now the new patio.  Sounds like a slow week.  Good for building white blood count.  I've got a new drug coming up next time that can take you down a little in that department but supposedly less stomach problems.  We shall see.  Take a walk today before the sun goes down. 

C-R3-D13

What a great weekend.  I got my own stomach back and traded in fatigue for my regular energy level.  I noticed that the ever-present knot in my stomach was actually gone Saturday evening.  It wasn't a disabling kind of thing of course but just that presence of things not being quite right.  The Pac-troops are getting a much needed rest and gearing up for round four in a few days.  Sunday morning I got to jog my whole 4-mile route without a let-down and that was physcially and mentally satisfying.  I later put in some work on my patio project and have only to "sand the cracks between paving stones" to finish the job.   That job is somewhat tedious and takes more effort than one might think.  Today I'm going to do some touch-up painting on my "kitty litter" buckets so that I can get some petunias and marigolds growing to cheer up the steps leading to my front door.  A few of those on my new patio wouldn't be bad either.  Recycling kitty litter buckets into planters has been one of my better ideas.  At least I think so.  Well it's time to get into my toning routine for this morning.  Hope you have some movement going on today as well. 

C-R3-D10

Fatigue is a very isidious enemy.  My first month of activities went on as usual with no noticeable loss of energy.  However, this last week has been a different entity.  From the literature, I got the impression that fatigue would drop on you like a ton of bricks and you wouldn't want to get out of bed or take an interest in regular activities.  Not so.  Fatigue creeps in when you least expect.  My last four efforts at my usual 4-mile jog have been sabotagued.  One turned into walking after the first mile.  My legs felt like they weighed fifty. pounds apiece and that was on the slight incline as I left my driveway.   Because my route is somewhat hilly, I just gave in to a walk after the first mile and made it home a few minutes later (my jog isn't actually that much faster than my walk :)).  At the next attempt, I made it to the two-mile mark and yesterday, I made it about three and a half miles before giving myself permission to walk the rest of the way.  I hope to make the full jaunt tomorrow, mind willing.  The other interesting note is that I don't feel the need to sleep or nap extra to make up for the loss of energy.  That's probably a good thing.  I don't not want to exercise so that's a good thing as well.  My patio project is coming along nicely as well, a little slower than I might ordinarily go at it but going just the same.  All in all, the Pac-troops are doing a great job and I have one more treatment of this drug combo, before moving on to another drug.  So exercise duty calls inside on this rainy day and you do the same.   

C-R3-D7

No news is good news.  Chemo round three progressing as previous rounds.  Friday was another crummy day but weather was great.  Weekend brought guest appearances of family from Springfield, MO, so things to do and people to see.  Stomach slowly returning to normal whatever that is from day to day.  More good weather doesn't hurt with much time spent  in my new sunroom.  The cats love that room as well with lots of outside activity to monitor.  My patio pavers have been delievered so I can take a couple of days to resume that project before the rains return.  I'm looking forward to this somewhat creative endeavor.  No rush means I can take my time and do and redo as needed.  I have somewhat neglected my exercise routine so I need to give that a better effort.  Oh yeah, and those state taxes need to get in the mail as well.  Get out there and enjoy this weather with some good movement. 

C-R3-D2

Round three done and done.  Day two is going well.  Just had my protein breakfast of eggs, ham and muffin.  Going to go heavier on the protein these next few days and see if I can get a better stomach back faster.  Also need to keep the liquids flowing to get the drugs and other "crap" of my system.  It is amazing how little there is to do to get ready for the day now with no hair to tame, no bead head, no big decisions about when to color up those gray roots.  My scalp has stopped itching as well.  It is different sleeping though but I sure I'll get use to that.  Well I have to head in to the dr. for my white blood cell booster shot so I better get going.  Looks like rain today, but plan to get my outdoor walk in sometime.  Do the same. 

C-R2-14

Another milestone successfully left in the dust today.  I had my head shaved and it was indeed time.   It took me a few days to prepare my mind but after looking at myself in the mirror these last couple of days, it was no longer a major hurdle.  I could not possibly look or feel any worse about the image returning my gaze in the mirror.  My hairdresser has been through this before with other clients and we laughed our way through the experience.  It was actually good to see those finally wispy strands hitting the floor so that I didn't have to catch them in my hairbrush.  The Pac troops are doing their job and that's one more symptom I can forget about for now.  It took her about 5 minutes to complete the job.  She said she was looking foward to seeing what color and texture my hair would reveal upon its return.  She gave me a hug and accepted no payment though I did tip well.  There were very few people in the shop but most noticed and were kind of wide-eyed.  I'm sure at least one may have asked about it after I left.  Kay got a laugh out of my wardrobe selection fo the occasion, a purple scarf and purple polo...."when I am fighting cancer, I shall wear purple"...practice for when I am old.  (If you do not know the poem 'When I am old, I shall wear purple" it's worth a read.  So on to round number three of chemo tomorrow.  Get out there and move around in the sun.  It feels great. 

C-R2-D11

If you haven't been outside yet, stick your head out the door.  It's a great day out there and it smells like spring...at least where I am.  I've had a pretty good week for someone who's hair is fallling to the ground faster than a spring thunderstorm.  I took a shower recently and thought upon exiting the shower that I must surely be bald, but alas, I still had more hair than many people I see out on the street and that includes some woman.  Good hair genes no doubt or maybe the B12 or CoQ10 who really knows.  I've taken to wearing a scarf full time now though I could still do reasonably good comb-overs for the balding spots.  It's just too much of a nuisance for the "hair, hair, everywhere" syndrome.  Going out in public with the scarf or usually a scarf and hat, still takes some time getting used to.  Going to the grocery store isn't bad but sitting in a restaurant will take some getting used to.  I  took my jog this morning with just the scarf and just assumed it looked "pretty cool".  Well I'm out to work on my patio project and probably give the yard a quick cut.
The St. Louis Cardinals play baseball on a local channel later this afternoon, so I can catch a game with my still favorite team.  The Royals might actually be watchable this summer.  They do have soom great prospects coming up and are even 1-1 at the moment, which is more than the Cardinals can say.  Also seems a good night to grill some burgers and watch a little basketball.  Go Butler.  Get outside and move around today.

C-R2-D6

Yes, I had a somewhat ragged stomach over the weekend, similar to KU's ability to play basketball on Sunday.  My stomach discontent will pass, however, I'm. not sure how long it will take KU fans to get over this loss.  I haven't seen so many missed baskets since my nephew played basketball in third grade.  No offense, Kyle.   My stomach at least feels better for a while after I eat.  I think it's just trying to recover after all of the Pac troop skirmishes on Days 1, 2, and 3 and that just takes some time.  At least I know what's happening now and just need to move on with my daily routines.  I spent a couple of hours on Sunday working through my federal taxes using the online fillable forms.  I must stay it wasn't too bad, actually very well set up and easy to navigate.  I think I even got a better refund than my first run through with trying Turbo Tax.   Yeah!!!  Now if I can wade through my three state forms over the next few days, I can use my federal refund to pay Kansas and Missouri and still have some left over.  Good plan....yes?  I didn't quite get in my usual hour of exercise over the weekend but did today.....inside though not outside.  Later in the week I hear we might get some warmth back.  Lots to look forward to.  Don't forget to get your "movement" in today.....yes it all counts. :)

C-R2-D3

Yes indeed, another crummy day 3 of chemo.  It didin't seem as bad as the first round but then I don't have to be as nervous as the first round since I can kind of anticipate the reaction.  The stomach was a little rocky and I just didn't feel like moving around much this morning.  I was trying to have a headache, but that came and went.  I rarely, almost never, have headaches, so that was a little different.  I've decided that the third day must be when the Pac troops have to start major damage control after the drugs leave my system so you can't blame them for being a little rambunctious.   I pretty much slept around until about 2:00 and then rallied for a short walk outside which actually helped.  Not the balmiest of weather today but it was okay for a short loop around the block.  I fixed myself some eggs and they seem to be doing okay and iced tea tastes good as well.  I have one of my online grading jobs this evening so coming to life is probably a good idea.  However, no KU basketball for me as this game hits right in my working zone.  I'm sure they'll be fine without me.   I finished digging out my new patio area yesterday which was my goal for the week and hope to start laying in some paving stones maybe later next week.   The back yard also got a "quick cut" to keep it from being knee high by next week.  The front yard however has a way to go before cutting is necessary.  Looks like a short wave of winter weather tomorrow so a good day to stay in and take it easy.  Don't forget to stand up and do the wave a few times during each b-ball game.  Get your exercise whenever you can. 

C-R2-D2

Two down, six to go.  Another hurdel cleared.  I had an afternoon chemo session yesterday and all is well.  According to my doctor, I am above the normal curve for chemo symptons and my reaction to them so that is good.  My blood count numbers were all in great shape with an actual increase in white count from my base number.  That explains the fact that I did not have a decrease in energy levels.  Another question answered is that the symptom reactions don't usually worsen as you have more treatments. The first week is apparently a good indicator of how things will go and symptoms can often improve as you progress.  I  feel better this morning than I did the first morning after my first treatment....anyway I think I do at least mentally if not physically.  I am going to take it easier on food these next two days to try to keep the rocky third day from reappearing.  I am still enjoying my hair, though some strands are beginning to fall as I brush my hair.  The doctor said another week would probably take it's toll on my hair.  I have wondered about how long the drugs are in my system and they are apparently gone withing two to three days, so it is just their effects of destroyed "normal" cells that are left for my body to deal with.  So lets keep up the good work Pac troops and have another good two weeks.  I am going strong on my patio project and would like to be finished by the next treatment.  Goals are good.  Looks like rain is coming for the next 3 or 4 days so basketball it is and maybe some good tv reruns of shows I missed the first time around.  I'm also reading a new Stephen King book, Fulll Dark, No Stars....good imagery as always.  Have a good weekend and don't forget to work in some exercise. 

C1-R1-D14

Great weekend, great weather, some good to great basketball.  Fired up the grill, good food, good company.  My Pac troops must be in stealth mode.  They're doing a great job while keeping a low profile.  Energy levels are good, being able to jog outside is great.  I did a little yard work, even washed some windows.  Yes, I do windows.  I especially like the kind that just release, fold out for easy cleaning, and back they go.  I have a great cleaning product from the company that built my sunroom and newspapers keep them streakfree.  Now if I could just get as enthused about doing my taxes.  I was hoping to get to go to watch a baseball game tomorrow of one of my favorite young baseball players, but it appears that thunderstorms may take that off the agenda.  I don't have my next treatment until Wednesday due to a change in the doctor's schedule.  I am actually looking foward to it so that I can say "two down, six to go". 
Enjoy the weather and take a walk. 

C1-R1-D12

Still doing well, no energy letdowns, no huge mouth issues, still got my hair. :)  Go Pac team!  However, I don't get to say go MU Tiger Team.  After the first five minutes, it was pretty much all over.  Maybe, just maybe, they need to slow down a little bit and think about who's going to get the good shot.  Anyway, guess I'll just have to stick with K-State and KU through the next few rounds.  K-State can probably use a few more cheers.   I'm headed out to exercise and maybe measure out my patio project before the rains come. 
Hopefully I will run these next few days right into round two chemo with no ill effects.  Have a good weekend out there. 

C1-R1-D9

It's been a great three days to week number two of chemo.  The pac-er's and pac-ettes have been doing a great job (at least in my mind) and very unobtrusively at that.  Good job, gang.  I haven't had any big let down in energy levels at this point, still jogging and throwing in some toning and weight-band exercises as well.  Slight soreness means is good.  I was a whirling dervish of spring cleaning on Monday.  Boxed up unused stuff for charity, rearranged a couple of areas and generally "uncluttered". Tuesday, I recovered and Wednesday helped a friend unclutter some of her "stuff" as well.  With the weather warming up I have a patio project in mind and plan to work and hour or two on that during the good days.  With the lowering of my white blood count yet to hit, I am noticing some tenderness in my mouth along the gum line and a back wisdom tooth.  Yes, I have yet to surrender my widsome teeth even though my dentist has tried to move me down that road more than once.  I hope I don't regret that decision during this chemo journey.  Here's my salute to a great St. Patrick's day for those of you who celebrate and hope the rest of my week is uneventful .  I hope that I can watch the Missouri Tigers progress through the first round of the NCAA tournament.  I won't mind a bit if KU and K-State do as well.    

C1-R1-D6

Ah-ha, three good days in a row.  I have the inside scoop now.  "All things in moderation" isn't really such a bad philosophy.  I am also figuring out the parameters of my new intestinal paradigm.  It turns out that a few times over the last three days I've just been hungry.  How about that?  I had a partial burger and fries Friday evening.....so good. (Notice the "partial" versus moderation philosophy).  I got released by my surgeon on Friday for exercise of my preference so I went for my first "moderate" jog in about six weeks on Saturday.  It lasted 28 minutes, a little over two miles probably, then I walked for another 22 minutes or so.  I had a great deli sandwich for dinner with some cake for dessert.  That also went well.  I went for a 42 minute, still moderate, jog this morning (but then again that's probably close to my regular speed) with a 10 minute walk cool down maybe 3.5 to 4 miles all together.  It does feel good at this point.  I'm off to meet some dear friends this evening to have some catch-up conversation and good fellowship.  I hear snow is on the way...glad I don't have to go anywhere important in the morning.  I think I will work on some spring house cleaning this week.  According to a variety of sources my next hurdle will be the white blood count let down which could occur about the 7 - 10 day mark with the onset of some mouth issues.  We shall see.  If you are a teacher and on spring break, do give yourself a break and enjoy time away from the kiddos.  Those last 10 weeks are a long haul.  And by the way.....all of you out there following my journey...thanks for the good vibrations coming my way. 

C-R1-D4

Bummer!  Yesterday was crummmmmmmmy!  I woke up in the middle of the night with a rolling stomach and decided to "gut" it out, probably a poor decision on my part since I have medication for this.  It was nothing big on the scale of possibilities but just queasiness.  I stumbled out of bed about 7:00 and took the medication, but had no desire to do anything but huddle under my blanket in my faithful recliner. (I am not a go-back-to-bed-during-the-day kind of person.) I'm not sure what the medication did, but I didn't actually throw up which is probably good.  I think I probably over did it with my Wednesday night meal since I was feeling good, so now I have internalized that lesson.  :)  There seemed to be an over-abundance of food commercials on TV Wednesday which made me wonder if I would ever want to eat real food again.  Toast and juice were my close companions during the day and I actually had some scrambled eggs for supper which wasn't bad.  I just referred to my Excel spreadsheet of dietary choices for a rocky stomach.  Decision easy. 
I'm off to see my surgeon this afternoon to get an after-surgery check to make sure incisions are healing well.  It's been six weeks so I am hoping for an exercise update so that maybe I can start jogging again instead of just walking when I feel up to it or maybe some light weight exercises.  I'm sure some sit up exercises wouldn't hurt either.  I want to stay involved in weight-bearing exercises since my mom had osteoporosis
and seems like chemo can contribute to bone-loss as well.  So get out there and take a walk this afternoon and enjoy the sunshine.  I plan to.  Have a good weekend and if you are on spring break next week here's a tip for those of you who want to come back to work with a little glow of sun on your cheeks.....just get a steroid injection and you will have pink cheeks for a couple of days.  Yes, I got first hand experience on that one since one of my drugs is a steroid.  I wonder if all of those athletes who said that they didn't take steroids had overly pink cheeks? 

C-R1-D2

For all you texters out there that's Chemo-Round 1-Day2.  I hope it doesn't catch on. :)  I woke up this morning after a more sleepless than sleeping night, but the nurse said that that might be likely.  However, I do have medical advice to take naps as needed though I've never really had trouble justifying naps over the last few years. In fact I'm a firm believer in naps.  Rolling around in bed did give me more time to think since I still haven't been able to follow researched advice that getting up and moving to another room to read for awhile would make you sleepy again. So here's a thought.  If the PET scan showed no other detectable cancer in my body, then are all of my little Pac troops out there eating more healthy cells than they normally would thereby making my chemo symptoms potentially worse. Or will my symptoms progress more quickly since the normal cells are destroyed more quickly.  My visual image will therefore have to have my Pac-ers and Pac-ettes being very slim and trim little troopers without the rounded stomach but nice tone muscles instead.
I won't see my doctor again for two weeks so I guess I will have to hang on to that question.  I guess that helps explain the medical advice again to eat a high protein and high calorie diet thereby making more new normal cells to replaced the lost ones.  A common misconception is that you will lose weight on chemo due to the various side effects but just as many patients gain weight if they handle the diet correctly.  It also apparently depends on the cancer you are treating and the type of chemo drugs you are getting.  My hope is to hang in there at my current weight and still due diligence with the diet plan.  My normal daily wardrobe of sweats and tee-shirts probably won't be noticably punished but my jeans fit really well right now and holding my breath or keeping the snap open is not an option.  Oh well, time will tell.  Ladies out there get a mammogram if you are over 40 and haven't had one in a while.  Fifteen minutes and you're good to go.

Chemo-Round 1

I got to the office at 10:00 for blood work and walked out at 1:00 feeling surprisingly normal and upbeat despite all of the precautions and negative "possibilities" floating around in my brain.  I got a one-on-one walk-through with the most important paper work and then two pieces of literature to peruse at my leisure with basically the same stuff but not quite as terse.  Can you believe the nurse used the term "an easy read"?  By the way I have a great oncology nurse.  Experienced, knowledgeable, direct and practical.....my kind of medical personnel.  Once I was hooked up and left with my own thoughts I decided that some positive imagery couldn't hurt.  I imagined that those drugs were sending out "pacman" troops to gobble up any stray cancer cells that might be out there.  I know pac-man dates me but what can I say?  That image really works for me.  My troops will also be known as "pac-ers" and "pac-ettes".....Go Team!   I haven't experienced any nausea yet (and don't plan to) but just in case I will imagine that it is just the troops all stopping to do "the wave" at the same time causing a little bit of  upheaval in the gastric area.  One of the questions I asked was that other than 100% chance of hair loss are there chemo patients who don't experience any of the other symptoms and she said "Why yes there are."  So I plan to take that route whenever possible and opt out of most side effects.  The other thing I asked about was exercise and she said go for it every chance you get, do what you would normally do as often as you can.  Fatigue does not have to run the show.  So once I got home I did my usual hour on the elliptical and hope I can get outside to walk the rest of the week.  My surgeon still hasn't released me to do more exercise than that, but I'm hoping for the best on Friday when I see him for my almost 6-week check-in.  I go back to the chemo unit tomorrow morning for an injection that will help keep up my white blood count. This leaves me alone with my thoughts for the next two weeks.  I am ordinarily not a person who pays much attention to small aches and pains, but it's kind of weird now paying such close attention to how I am feeling.  I am resisting the urge to make an Excel spreadsheet to try and keep track of everything.  Those who know me are no doubt smiling at that one.  Keep smiling kids, I need those vibes.  By the way, I have to change chemo to Wednesdays because of my doctor not being there on Tuesdays to check me out, so I don't know if I should change my blog title or not or if I can.  I've kind of gotten attached to this one.  What do you think?

It Starts Tomorrow

Chemotherapy that is.  January was not a good month and February was not much better.  I had a bout with breast cancer five years ago and I was signed off with my doctors as cured.  Yeah!!!  Then my January mammogram indicated that I should make other plans....a cancerous lump or two on the other side.  A biopsy verified the news.  A lumpectomy would not do the job this time.  Surgery claimed the date for January 31.  The surgery was not that daunting, but thinking about the possibility of cancer spreading was.  The surgeon took care of the two lumps which turned out to be one big one, Stage IIIA, and also a third lump almost undiscovered under my arm.  This cancer was a rather nasty villain, not easy to contain.  However, a PET scan on February 21st brought good news....no cancer present anywhere else.  Now we have a place to start.  Hence the chemo.  Chemically zap any little microscopic cancer cells floating around out there in my blood stream looking for a place to grow roots and then radiate the chest wall and underarm to create a safe zone for the good cells and a cemetary for cancer cells.  At least that's the way I'm choosing to look at it.  I can write that with a smile on my face rather than that the frown created in trying to create the scientific representation for what my doctors are proposing.  So the battle begins tomorrow and new troups will be sent in every other Tuesday for eight rounds of chemo.  Should you wish to wage war with me using the weapons of  encouraging comments and laughable observations about life's twists and turns, please do.