My Recent Drs Report!

I had good news from the doctor.  I am again "stable" on my CT scan.  This means I stay on the current treatment.  I would have posted this sooner, but a dear friend of mine is going through a family medical crisis, so I have not been thinking about me.  But I know some of you were waiting to hear.  God is good, and I am going to enjoy Christmas to the fullest!

Merry Christmas to all of you!!

It is that time again!

Boy, the two months go by so fast!  I have my CT scan again tomorrow.  I see the doctor on Tuesday for the results.  Anyone that has ever gone through this knows how trying it is.  I pray for good results, but also try to stay myself in case it isn't good.  I tried to get this done next Monday...so I could go through Christmas without this...but they said no.
I am feeling good.  Been able to enjoy holiday preparations.  Oh, how I love Christmas.
I will come back by Wednesday and let you know what is going on.  If you have any time in this busy week to say a prayer for me, I would appreciate it sooooo much....

Ceekay

Doctor's Visit

I had my monthly checkup today and all is well.  I am again considered stable.  What a wonderful bit of news to give thanks for at this Thanksgiving time.  Next month right before Christmas is my CT scan.  What a great present if more tumors were shrunk!!

Happy Thanksgiving and Thank you for all your concern and prayers!

A Friend

I just received the news recently that a dear friend of mine from church has just been diagnosed with breast cancer.  She is in the shocked mode of course.  We talked and she is waiting to hear what the plan of attack is.

I HATE CANCER!

I know that asking why makes no sense, because we may never know that answer.  But sometimes I want to scream, it is enough.

Don't get me wrong.  I will do whatever I have to do to stay here and be well for my family.  But sometimes I get tired.  Tired of the chemo, the meds, the needles, the tests, the appointments, the not feeling well...just tired.  And then you hear another person is starting her journey through the same thing.

It is just plain hard.

Good News!

Saw my oncologist today and my CT scan was stable...actually a little improvement. Some of the tumors have shrunk. My CA went down a bit. So all in all, it was a good report. Staying on the current treatment plan. Thanks for all the words of encouragement and prayers. Waiting for Drs reports us absolutely stressful. I get through it knowing that so many are praying for me....

I am going to try to focus now on the holidays and enjoying every minute!!

My Next Dr's Appts!

It is hard to believe that another month has gone by. But a great month it was. We had company from Michigan and I felt good and enjoyed the visit. Next Monday and Tuesday are all my monthly scans and tests. Praying that all will be stable again and take me through to the New Year.
Hope you all are enjoying this wonderful time of the Harvest and Fall weather. Enjoy each and every day!!

This is quite unbelievable!

Most of you know that I have suffered for months with, well frankly, diahrea. Quite bad. The doctor has tried several things...nothing helped.

The other night my friend Kathy called and said she saw on Mystery Diagnosis a lady who had what sounded like the same symptoms I have. It is called Happa Gallbladder Syndrome.

I called my oncologist, who had never heard of it, and asked if he would look it up and see if maybe that could be me. He later called and said, let's try it. I started a low dose of Colestyramine and so far so good. 3 days - no problems.

I am amazed. Almost 6 months I have suffered with this. It was a great diet plan though...so now, I really got to watch the food!!

Just a little update!

I am feeling good. I will see my oncologist next Tuesday....but before I do I am having a Hida test. Apparently this is to determine if my gall bladder is functioning properly. With my stomach issues, they want to make sure. Whoopee! But other than that, I am not anticipating any problems.

Thanks for all your concerns and prayers....I appreciate them so much!!

Good Report!

Hi all! Saw my oncologist today and I am still stable on my current chemo treatment. We are so thankful...prayers were definately answered the way we had hoped. In fact, some of my tumors have shrunk...
The only negative is my doctor wants my stomach issues settled. So I am starting a new drug to see if it settles it down. Just a trial and error type of thing, I think. See what might work!
Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes. I am so thrilled that the next two months will be as the last 6. I am able to do more of real life....
Don't forget to visit me at my other blog Thinkin of Home......I try to post there at least a couple of times a week about things I am doing.....

Till then....
Ceekay

Popping in to say Hi!

I just wanted to post and say hello. I have been feeling pretty well. My next CT is next week, but this week, I am enjoying celebrating our 37th anniversary!!
Still the stomach issues persist...some days worse than others...but, I am handling it. I have lost about 40 pounds...which I had to lose...but I don't recommend this diet!!
I will definately be back to let you know how the CT scan went....have a great week!!

Ceekay

I am doing good and enjoying life without all DR's!!

I am on a monthly regimen now, it feels like I have been paroled!!

Only have to go in 2 days in the month....oh, glorious freedom.....

anyways, I wanted to say that I am feeling good....still have stomach issues, but I am getting used to it!

Thank you as always for all your prayers. I see the doctor on August 2 so all should be well. No ct scan until the end of August. I don't dread it as much since they finally figured out the correct amount of premeds!!

Hope you are enjoying these long summer days.....

My results

This is a fast post, and I am sorry, but honestly, I am exhausted. I saw my oncologist yesterday and my CT was stable. No improvement, but not any worse. So I get to stay on the current treatment plan.
2 days of doctor's appointments, 100 mile trips each day, has wore me out. But I wanted to let you know....we are so thankful.

I will talk to you all again soon.

Dr.1, Dr. 2, Dr. 3....that was my day!

Well, really not seeing all those doctors but their wonderful tests. Started the day with a fasting lab - 6 glorius tubes....then my every 2 months CT scan, followed by my every month eye exam. I am pooped!!
Great news though....my oncologist uped my pre-meds for the CT scan and I had no ill after effects. Hallelujah! I am a happy camper about that.
My eyes are doing great, even with all the meds I am on. That is a blessing. We also found out our insurance will pay for half of my new contacts...so again a blessing.
So tomorrow I will get the results of the CT scan and blood work. We are so hoping and praying for positive news...if it is, I only will have to see the oncologist ONCE a MONTH...people, that is almost like winning the lottery to me!
And go figure this....my stomach issues seem to have gotten better. We don't know what caused it or why it is going away???

I will let you know about the CT scan....appreciate your prayers.

Happy 4th of July

Just wanted to stop in and say hi. I have been feeling good. Just the stomach issue remains. I have learned to live around it! I have a CT scan on the Tuesday after the 4th.....I hate those. This time the doctor is having me come back to the office to see what is bothering me that makes me so sick. Prayerfully, the test will go well and my results will also be good. My CA went down about 100 more points...so that is a blessing. I will let you know next week....until then have a wonderful holiday weekend and Be safe!

Some answers sorta...

Yesterday I would have been typing a different post. I mentioned that I have been having stomach issues. After talking to the doctor's office yesterday, they were going to send me to a gastronal internist to check for an ulcer. I was not happy.

Today the doctor's nurse called and told me that another patient on the same trial drug as me is experiencing the same stomach issues. They call me a trail blazer! Hallelujah. Not that we have the issues, but now they don't think it is an ulcer. I will see them next week and they will discuss what we can do to alleviate the side effects.

Repeat after me....YEAH!

I am a little frustrated....

sorry, I think I need to vent. Nothing major really. Just that when I try to do something "extra" it about takes me out. I hate that. I think about how I used to go and do.....and work a full time job. That girl is gone.
Oh don't get me wrong. I am thankful I am here at all and that I generally feel good. But I miss the days where I could do so much. It takes me so much longer to do what I used to do before I went to a full days job....
So, I am a little furstrated.....I hope you understand.

Just me touching base...

I am feeling pretty good. Getting some things done around the house that have been waiting on me....I just am still having stomach issues. My doctor is starting me on a probiotic to see if that will help. Otherwise, it is going to be a issue the whole time I am on this chemo.
Kinda keeps me near the house more, which keeps me from shopping, so, I guess it has its benefits!!

Latest Update!

Saw my oncologist today. All is well as far as Blood pressure, blood work, rashes all gone....but now I have a stomach issue. We are going to watch it to see if I have a bug or possibly an after effect from the antibiotics. I feel good...I just have, well, you know, stomach problems.

I am enjoying this season of good feeling....I pray it lasts! I don't know, 20 years or so would be good!!

Yay, Yay, YAY

Saw the doctor today and my scan was an improvement. Some of the tumors have shrunk and my CA125 is still going down! I admit, I cried. It is so wonderful to receive encouraging news. I haven't had a lot of it...and I am basking in it right now.

Your prayers continually strengthen me....thank you so much!!!

Yay, yay, YAY!!!

CAT scan Monday

Cold is much better....but you know that saying, it gets worse before it gets better. That was me Wednesday. I actually asked my husband to stay home from work. I never do that, so he knew I was pretty cruddy!!
My CAT scan in tomorrow. We are hoping for some good results. Not only for the decreasing of the tumors, but so I don't have to go through changing another treatment. So please think about me tomorrow if you get a chance....Thanks
I will have the results later in the week.

Hope you all are having a fantastic mother's day!!

No, Seriously?

My rash is just about gone. Doing good. Then Tuesday night I looked at hubby and said....I am catching a cold. Oh my goodness....it is a doozie! I haven't slept more than 3 hours a night because I can't breathe! I am taking Tylenol cold, but I don't think it is doing much.
Ok, so now you see, I DO complain. I hate colds!!!
I will come talk to you all again when I am nicer...and feeling better!!

So doc, what is this rash??

We have pretty much decided this rash on my legs is NOT from the chemo. I have taken the chemo alone and the rash doesn't get any worse. My doctor thinks, thinks it may be the calcium blocker I am on for the high blood pressure. So he changed that medication and we will see.
I have my next CT scan next Monday, and hubby and I are so hopeful for a good scan. It is so WONDERFUL when you get some good news!
All my blood work is great...and aside from some fatigue I am doing quite well, all things considered.
Now, you may think this is sick humor, but at my doctor's office it is always kinda a joke as to why I am there, since I am basically so healthy...then my doctor will say, well, except for this thing called CANCER!
I tell my husband all the time that I will not be happy if after I am gone, they find out eating a banana standing on your head will cure this!

Now you probably all are thinking, that poor thing, it has affected her brain!

Nope, that is still fine.....you gotta laugh about something you know!

Checking in...

I have been feeling pretty good. Able to do some things that I have had to let go for a while. Even invited some friends over for a good tablegame. However, I am having the rash issue again on my legs. I call it a rash out of lack of whatelse to call it. It appears to be under the skin, no bumps, but red as fire. It doesn't itch. I see the doctor tomorrow and they are hoping to be able to tell me what is causing it.
It needs to go away....cuz it is capri season. It is bad enough my poor toe nails look terrible. I got a fungus when I was on one of the other chemos and of course, because of the liver, I can't take the meds. Now my legs....I may have to start wearing total body covering the way I keep falling apart!
So that is what is happening on my side of town...how about you?

Hi There!

I noticed I haven't posted in over a week here on the Teal blog. That is a good thing, it means I have been feeling better and living life!
I think we have finally got this medicine thing worked out. I feel good and no major side effects. Yeah!
We were able to go to church today and I actually got caught up with the housework.
I will see my oncologist on Tuesday, but I am not anticipating any problems.

Hope all of you are well and enjoying your life! Spring is so wonderful...love all the flowers and the occasional little bit of rain.

Talk to again soon, Ceekay!

Can I walk yet??

Yes! My feet are so much better. Man, that was an interesting week. I had to McGyver some padding on my feet....it was unique. No, I don't own any slippers. I have slipper socks, but I needed more padding....so I made my own.
I am back on the chemo again, a lesser dose. If they could just get the stomach issue straightened out and the blood pressure regulated....I think I might be ok. I have not gone anywhere but the doctor's office and let me tell you....I don't like that.
Thank you for the many encouraging comments. I am hanging in...hanging being the operative word. But I praise the Lord for the days he is allowing me to have....and hope springs eternal. I hope that next week will be better!!
Have a great weekend. Do something fun and think of me!!! I love to be out and enjoying life.....and I will be again...soon I hope!

The Good, Bad and Ugly

I have been back and forth to doctors all day yesterday and today.

The Bad - I am officially admitting that I am sick. My oncologist has taken me off all meds for a few days and then revamping some. Chemo is getting cut in half again. I just seem to be highly sensitive to it.

The Ugly - my feet....this chemo give hand and foot syndrome. My feet are totally a mess. I can barely walk. I have Bag Balm on them to try and heal them up....mercy, this is painful.

The Good - the chemo is working. My cancer markers have been cut in half and that is with being on and off the meds. My doctor feels I will still get benefit from a lesser dose and I should feel better. Such wonderful news!

That is it today friends. Back to the bed for me....

Things seem better....

I have gone the longest amount of time since I started this chemo without having to stop. The blood pressure issue seems to be much better. Hope it stays that way.

I am suffering from a bit of fatigue. I found out there are numbered levels to fatigue. I think I am at a 2. I can still do some basic housework and get myself dressed, but I can't seem to do a lot of walking. Walmart and Costco...they are out for now. I have never used the riding carts...but I may have to start. I did go out today for a bit....picked up some ribbon and stuff...came home totally pooped! The doctor feels this may level out a bit when my body gets used to all the meds I am on.

One of the things that seems so strange to me is that one of the known side effects of this chemo is hot flashes. Now I can have hot flashes on my own....so I thought I would be in for it....but it seems, at least right now, I am so cold.

I also told my doctor that I would no longer take the iodine for the CT scan. I just get too sick and they will have to do it without it.

I am looking forward to the weekend. Next week I have 3 days at doctor's offices...I don't know how my life got to this...but it is what it is!! Have a great weekend and I will talk to you next week. And as always...thank you for your encouragement and prayer.

I think I have my Oncologist stumped!

Saw my doctor today. Last night my b/p was sky high....I had been doing better with it.

So another drug has been entered into the mix. We will see. I actually made the nurse sit with me and make a time schedule to make sure I get everything in!! I am currently taking 21 pills a day. (my head is shaking now, cuz I struggle with taking an aspirin!)

Just to clarify since some have asked. I do not have Hypertension. This is totally a drug induced issue....from the chemo pills I am on now. Similar to Avastin. When the time comes I am no longer on this medication, my b/p will be normal. But trust me, I will never minimalize when I hear someone has high blood pressure. Mercy!

We did have a wonderful Easter. You can see bits of it on my other blog, Thinkin' of Home.

Yes, we did feel the earthquake....very unusual here.....

Ceekay

Happy Easter Everyone!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish all of my blogging friends and prayer pals a wonderful Easter.
I am feeling better. I believe we are getting closer to solving the b/p issue. I actually am leaving the house for a bit today to meet up with my dear friend Misty. We are going to check out a new scrapbook store. Well, new to us!

I will see my doctor on Monday...and I think it may be a better visit! At least that is my prayer....

Talk to you next week!

Just letting you know....

I am really struggling with this blood pressure issue and the new chemo. I have yet to be on the chemo for more than 3 days (it is pills) before I have to be taken off and deal with my b/p. I have never dealt with anything like this and frankly....I don't like it. I am now on the max of the current b/p meds and we still need to see if that will work.

I feel ok, course, that is because of the lack of chemo....but, need to get this stable.

Just checking in.....

Ceekay

Monday's Dr. Appt.

Things are going much better. I am feeling pretty good. Actually got to go to church on Sunday, and with make-up on to boot!
Saw my oncologist today and he is pleased. My blood pressure is still giving us issues, but they uped the b/p meds and hopefully that will help.
I am telling you, they are wonderful people at Premier Oncology. I can tell that I really matter to them....not just a number. I really appreciate that.

Went and picked up a few groceries with my hubs and now I am home....

Thank you as always for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Ceekay

Update...

I AM feeling better. The "betterer" I get, the more I realize how sick I was.

All my blood work is back to normal, so I am back on the chemo, just a lesser dose. Hopefully, this will be the answer.

I actually ate a bit of a real supper last night! Oh, I love food. I shouldn't, but I do!

My head seems clearer, so I am trying to touch base with a few blogs.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!!! You are the best!

I think I just missed the hospital

Went to the doctor Monday and one look at me and they knew I was sick, sick, sick. They took tons of tests and gave me IV fluids. My liver is not outputting like it should, my blood pressure is sky high...they took me off the chemo until Friday and hopefully I will feel better. Then the dosage is going to be lowered.
Mercy. A little over a week ago I was enjoying time with Tom and Rose. Now I am down for the count, and trust me, today I feel better!!
My doctor was very concerned and took wonderful care of me.
Well, that it is for right now.....I will try to post later this week.

Ceekay

Chemo day #whatever!

Not a lot new here. I am struggling to get used to this new medication. I pretty
much am sleeping the day away...but, for whatever reason...can't stay asleep at night. Tonight we are going to try Advil PM.

Oh how I wish I could write that I feel better, but honestly, I don't. They said I should level out the next week or so....I hope that is true.

I am visiting, but sometimes, I don't feel like typing...

I am so thankful my hubby has been home with me. He just went to get me some ice cream. I hope that will taste good.

Better days are coming. That is my hope!

New chemo day 3

First of all....I am doing better. Today was a short day so I came home and slept 5 hours.
Last night was NOT a good night. The problem I am having is that the drug they are giving me causes elevated blood pressure. So not only am I taking a new chemo drug, I am having them try to find the dosage for the b/p.
I don't know if it was stress, or combo of drugs...but I was up every hour on the hour. I was sick to my stomach once....and I was just uneasy. They gave me permission today to use Advil PM so hopefully that will help.
All in all, today has gone much better. What a week!

And to answer your questions about going outside yesterday...per the protocol of the drug, I had to be "watched" at all times, so I could not go outside. But that is over now.

You guys are so great to check in and encourage me. It really helps me. I must admit, emotions have been very high this week. I don't do "sick" very well.

Prayerfully, for me and my hubs....we will sleep tonight.

New chemo day 2

ok, I am sitting in the chemo chair as we speak....and here is what is happening..I had the first treatment Monday...all went fine. Tuesday came in and had blood work and bp done...all good. Went home and had a headache. Took a nap...woke up..headache...took another nap...yep, still headache. Went to bed and woke up again this morning with headache. Threw clothes on and got to oncologist for more chemo and told them about the headache. Gave me tylenol...nothing. Finally gave me Motrin and the headache went away...hallelujah...ok....day goes on - another 12 hour one....and my bp starts to go up, which is a side effect of this chemo. Finally, it is decided no more chemo today....and starting me on a mild hp med. Yeah! (btw...that is not a yeah I won the lottery, it is a yeah - lucky me) Have to come back tomorrow to see if I can continue the chemo as planned....or if I need to have bp meds up'd.
I hope I don't have to stay here all day tomorrow too. I don't know if I told you this, but they won't even let me go outside....and it is so pretty here right now. Thank God for laptops!
Thank you for all the encouragement and prayers. I check them all day long!
I did meet a wonderful fellow fighter today...we talked for several hours and that was good...oh, and I had a wonderful ham sandwich for lunch. Hey, gotta find joy in the day!!!

Ugh!

Let's start with the good news! The nurses were able to do the treatment on my port and after an hour and a half, the blood started to flow! Yeah! Now they know that I am growing like a scar inside the tubing, but they can dissolve it!
I am tolerating the new chemo good so far. Really no side effects...but of course, I have only had it one day so far!
Why the ugh? I am exhausted. No, I mean really exhausted. I have slept 4 hours today and I am still tired. Yesterday was a 15 hour day with the driving. I had blood pressure, ekgs, and blood draws every half hour for 4 hours, then every hour for 4 hours, then every 2 hours for 4 hours. Plus I could not leave the chemo office. I couldn't even go outside. Those kind of days wear me out. And I do it again tomorrow. (Is there a word for whining???)
Oh how I pray this stuff works.
Anyways, that is why I have been MIA.
I hope all of you are having a great week and NOT at the doctor's office! But thank God for them.

Enjoying Life!

It is amazing to me how much perkier I feel when I am not taking any kind of chemo. I don't realize how much of a difference it makes. I have felt so good this week. I have been enjoying the warmer weather too.
My dear friend Rose from A Hint of Home is coming in Tuesday to visit with her hubby. I can't wait. Everything is ready.
Today is the day for getting nails done and hair trimmed.
I hope you are having a good week.

I appreciate the good days so much! I will be back the end of next week.

Ceekay

I survived - barely

Today I had my day of testing. Anything you want to know about my body??? I am sure they have an answer. Blood, physical, ekg, complete eye exam, and the lovely CT scan. Seriously, I don't know if I will let them do another CT scan. The premeds are not helping the chest pain I have starting one hour after the test and lasting about 3 hours. My husband thinks it may be indigestion, but I have never had indigestion and if that is it...I don't know how people live with it. It feels like a heart attack and I am not exaggerating. I have googled it every way I know how and it appears only me and one other person have ever experienced it. They tell me at the testing place that it is not an allergic reaction because those start right away. Seriously, here I am taking every kind of poison to stay alive with cancer and I am going to drop over dead from a CT scan.
I am feeling better now though. And my eyes are finally letting me see clearly again. I really liked the opthamologist. He was speaking some German to me and I could pick some of it out. My grandparents spoke German. That was kinda fun....not like Hawaii kind of fun...but fun!
I guess they are going to give my port a treatment when I start my new chemo. They have not been able to get blood out of it. It runs in ok, but not out. Mercy. This makes me sound like an invalid. I am NOT. But maybe someone will read this with the same issue and it will help them. Anyways, there is a "treatment" that they put in for a couple of hours and it should clear up any clotting or whatever. They use heparin all the time, but that isn't helping. I hope this works because they AIN'T put another port in IF I can help it.
Ok, I guess you are probably sick of hearing my woes. I know I am!!!
Tomorrow, I am getting flowers for my pots outside. I always love the pretty colors for a few months before the horrible heat fries them!!

More tests...whoopee!

I will have a day of testing tomorrow....and you all KNOW how I love that. Unfortunately, I am having another CT scan. They are upping my pre-meds to see if that helps with the side effects. I hope so.
I have been busy visiting with fellow bloggers last week. We had such fun. Plus, I am trying to do some extra cleaning as my company comes in next Tuesday. I am getting excited.
I had some kind of bug yesterday. Fever and chills. But I am fine now. It seems if I go out with a lot of people I tend to pick up something. It never lasts long, but I am sure it has something to do with my stamina levels and immunity. Over all though, I can't complain. I am still able to take care of me and my home. Just little bits at a time!
I am going to post some pictures soon on this blog of all the cute teal items people have given me.

I will post on Wednesday hopefully how Tuesday goes.

Thankful every day for all your comments and prayers.

Ceekay

Saw my Oncologist today...

New chemo will start March 15. Next week I will have many pre-tests....you all KNOW how I love that! I am praying that this drug will be tolerated well and that I will be able to take it for an extended period of time.

My tummy has been having issues the last couple of days. I am not sure if I have a little bug or I ate something that didn't agree with me. Otherwise I am feeling pretty good.

We have company coming in on the 9th for a few days, so I will be feeling pretty well since I won't have started the new drug yet.

As always, thanks for the prayers and encouragement!

Ceekay

Not a Great day..

I did not have chemo today. The current treatment is not working enough to keep me on this clinical trial. My tumors are growing, slowly, but none the less growing.

So on to plan, I don't know H???

Yes, I am very sad, I cried a lot....but what can I do? It is what it is.

We have a new plan. I don't know all the details and I won't be starting for a bit. The side effects can be very various...so I could do wonderful or not so good.

One of the side effects is anorexia - I can safely say, I think I am safe from that!....Yes, more steroids...oh man....and possibly some hair loss. I hope not. My hair dresser though said if it is just thinning, she can do extensions or weives....so, at least there is help.

I hate posting this....but that is what this blog is for....so I give the bad and the good.

Oh, and when the going gets tough....the tough really d0 go shopping. Check it out at my other blog...Thinkin of Home.

Chemo day Again!

Getting chemo is an interesting concept for me. I hate it...I dread it...and I want and hope for it.

I hate having to take a day and spend it at the oncologist..I hate that I have cancer and I dread to hear what the tests say.

But, I also want anything they can do for me to help me continue my life and hope that even better treatments will be found.

That being said, I will be in the chair today. Hopefully, if I get out at a decent time, my hubby is taking me to Brighton to pick out my birthday present.

Talk to you later.....

Ceekay

My CT Scan

If you read my other blog, you know that my computer is gone. So, I just want to tell you that I had my scan. The premeds worked some. I still got some after effects that I will talk to the doctor about on Tuesday. Otherwise, all is well...except for my blogging...

I have got to get a new computer soon!

CT Scan day!

Monday is my CT scan. Cancer patients usually hate these. Not the test...they normally are no problem. It is waiting the next week to get the results that will determine your next few months of treatment.
This is the first time for me to be premedicated...so, another NEW thing!
Had fun with hubby and son today watching the Super Bowl. Now, trust me, I really didn't care, but they did...and the commercials were kinda fun....and hey, I am a 70's girls...so, go The Who!

Ceekay

More about The PORT

I had a rather rough day yesterday, but am feeling better today. I think a lot of how I feel is determined by how I sleep the night prior to chemo.

I thought I would mention a few more things that I know about PORTS. I am no expert...but I have learned a few things.

The port is placed under the skin, usually in the upper chest/shoulder area and hooks into an artery. There are some ports that are in the stomach area...but I don't have that kind. Mine is a POWER PORT, which means I can also have blood drawn or given through my port. But here is the clincher. When you get your port and you hear that, you think, oh good, no more needle pokes in my veins. In order for blood to be drawn, the nurse must be certified. Most labs do not have certified techs on staff to do this....so, honestly, my port is used mostly for chemo.

Blood can be drawn from the port prior to chemo, but not after. So that is why many times I still have to be poked.

I will admit that I had a LOT, and I mean a LOT of pain when I got my port. I was bruised from my earlobe, down to the middle of my breast. I could not stand to move for about 2 days. Every movement was excruciating. However, other people have said they had no problems...so I guess it depends on the patient. I always tell people to get some pain meds ahead of time, just in case.

The port is usually place under Twilight sleep!..that scared me, but I told the nurse, I don't want to feel this at all....and I didn't. Woke up in my room, no memory of it at all. So if you ever have to have it done...tell them!

I love my port. I prefer it to having the chemo straight in the veins, which can be rather hard on them. Yes, you can see it under my skin. It is small, but it is there. Sometimes, usually at night, I become AWARE of it. Like it is pulling or something. But generally, I don't know it is there.

I think personally the biggest problem with the port is the unknown. You are already in shock that you have cancer and have to have chemo. Then they tell you they are going to put this object in you and you just are in a fog....

So, that is what I know about PORTS! for any of you who wanted to know!

I posted my book on my other blog...thinkinofhome.blogspot.com if you want to see it!

I am still amazed!

I have a new treasure which I will show on my other blog soon. It is my blog in book form. It is so wonderful to see all my blogging work in hand. I took it to chemo today and doctor was totally into it. Apparently, blogging is an issue the cancer trials are looking at. My doctor wants me to be interviewed regarding it! How great is that?!?! God is so good and what an answer to my prayers. I pray eveyday that I will be the person whats me to be....and do what I can to show grace and reality in this walk.
I am typing this in the chemo chair...it is so busy here to day. Too much cancer. They are so good to me here...I really love it. If you can love a doctor's office!

I think I will mention this....because I read so many blogs where cancer is new to them. And they have so many questions. But one that is often asked...does getting the chemo hurt? No.

Most chemo patients get a port....that is another story for another day. They put a special needle into the port. They can numb the skin if you want it. You feel the push, but really no pain. Some of the premeds make you a little drowsy, but the chemo doesn't feel like anything. I do know some get nauseous from a taste you may get....I never have! I will never get rid of my port unless I have to. I no longer worry if anyone sees it...it is barely noticeable.

So that is it for today! Thanks for all your encouragement through your comments.

Life is so Wonderful!

Last night as I was hoping to fall asleep, which I eventually did...I was thinking about all the things that came to mind about what makes life wonderful. I try often to remind myself of these when again I am facing the chemo chair.
So many times, I find myself complaining that I have to go to chemo AGAIN, but really, I should and try to be, grateful that the doctors have something to try. In my battle, I have met many women who unfortunately, their battle is over.
Yesterday, my son went to church with us. Pastor's message on the ark was so interesting and thought provoking....it was a blessing, and I got to enjoy it. My son leaned over and gave me a hug, and I got to enjoy it. We went to PF Changs and had lettuce wraps, and I got to enjoy it.
So, tomorrow, when I sit in the chemo chair AGAIN....I will think on those things....at least some of the time! Sorry, not until the poke is over.....well, you know about my ISSUES with that! I will try to be back here or my other blog before the end of the week. Next week is my CT scan again. This time, with pre-meds.

Ceekay

No Needles This Week!

I am excited. No needles this week! See, I don't like needles...I may be 50 plus years old, but inside, when they bring over the needles...I am about 5 inside! I tell my husband, who would have thought that I, who hates needles, would get them ALL the TIME! (No needles in Heaven...that is a good thing!)

I have no real exciting plans although I am hoping to go estate saleing with Candy later this week. Oh, I hope I find one bargain!

Feeling pretty good. Went to church yesterday. Now that may seem like a small thing, but getting up and getting ready and still having energy to GO, that is an accomplishment!

Anyways, have a great week everyone and thank you continually for all your concern and prayers.

Had Chemo Today....

all went well. No traumas except for a defective infusion tube...but they fixed that. It is pouring rain here, which is very calming sounding. I am ready to hit the bed. Probably won't be posting until the end of the week. Hopefully, Sherry and my craft day will finally happen this Friday!!

Thanks for the prayers. I always count on them, every day, but especially "doctor" days!

Ceekay

My "GOOD" Week

This is the week I don't have chemo. I always feel "better" this week...more like myself. My hubby and I did a little thrift shopping...not too much luck though.
I wanted to mention that Sherry and I were not able to get together as she has been really sick with Upper Respitory issues. She was kind enough NOT to come over when she was sick...understanding that my immune system is not what it used to be. We are hoping for Jan 22.
Chemo will be next Tuesday, due to MLK day. Blood on Saturday. Oh, I hate those blood days!
I am so thankful that I still have good days! In comparison to so many, I am so blessed.
Thanks for your prayers, as always....

Chemo Day Tuesday

Just to let you know that all went well with the chemo on Tuesday. I was pretty much done when I got home, but didn't sleep the best...which is usual. I crashed this morning for a couple hours...but probably will sleep really well tonight! Feeling pretty good. My red blood count is dipping a little low, so I have to watch that. This is another norm for me. Sometimes I have had to have blood transfusions...but I am eating red meat and beets to try to avoid that some. I try to avoid taking Iron pills...as, well, you know what they can do to you...but if it gets any lower, I will have to do it!

Looking forward to Friday...Sherry from Country Wings in Phoenix is coming over for a craft day!

Vertical and Fun! It doesn't get much better than that!

Seriously...why does this happen all the time?

I really thought all would go smoothly for this chemo, but since this is my place to tell this journey, here we go again.
I went to have my pre-chemo labs done at the SAME place I have gone for 3 years. I write and tell them I have 2 standing orders. OK
I get called into the room and the girl pulls out the tubes. I said, only 4 tubes...there should be 2 orders (AGAIN). "Yes, there is 2 orders...4 tubes." OK

I go home. Chemo is tomorrow afternoon. Life is good. I will only have a poke to the port and one to my sad vein in the arm. I can do this.

Phone rings. The lab. "Uh, there has been a mistake. We did have 2 orders but 1 for this doctor and 1 for this one, (who I am not going to right now)". Seriously. I tell them, " Well, this is a problem. I need those tests before I can have chemo, and I am on a clinical trial and you can't miss a day". "Well come back tomorrow morning (no problem, surely I had NO OTHER PLANS) and we will stat the order". OKKKKKKKKKKKKK

I call my doctor. They check the computer. Yep, wrong order. Go first thing....but here is the crack up I think. They want to know who is going to pay for this. What? what about my arm? That is the issue....I am the one getting poked AGAIN.

Oh, unbelievable. Lord, keep me gracious. Cuz, this vein thing and the mistakes....it's getting old!