Welcome to my blog dedicated to my Journey with Teal....Ovarian Cancer. This blog is where I will make updates to my treatments and tests....hoping to keep blog friends updated and answer any questions from visitors. I did not pick this journey, but am doing the best I know how to walk strong and gracefully, with my Lord's continual strength!

Monday, February 22, 2010

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

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

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

Thursday, February 11, 2010

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!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

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

Thursday, February 4, 2010

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!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

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.

Monday, February 1, 2010

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