Only 3 more treatments left!!! I have to say that the Taxol treatment is SOOOO much better than the A/C treatments. My doctor had said that Taxol wouldn't be as bad. He said that I wouldnt be as nauseous - boy was he right! I have not felt sick at all! There was a chance that I would have "flu-like symptoms" but so far I have felt nothing out of the ordinary. I do have to go get my labs done on Wednesday to see if my white blood cell count is OK. If it has dropped, my doctor said he may put me on an antibiotic as a precaution. I will also have to get a Neulasta shot after the next two treatments if my counts go down. I am hoping that I stay healthy enough so I do not need anything extra.
Just a random note... my eyebrows are starting to come out. They are not completely gone, just some. Mike says it looks like i took hair clippers and "cut" a chunk out of my eyebrows! Nothing a little eyebrow pencil cant fix. I guess you have to have some humor in all of this! On a positive note, with the new drug, I could start to see some "peach fuzz" soon. I still have really blonde hair that had never come out, but I could see "new" hair. I will have to wait and see.
This upcoming Sunday I am walking in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Boston. If anyone would like to donate or walk with me you can go to this link....
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY12National?px=22913068&pg=personal&fr_id=36136
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sept. 19th update
Sorry for not posting in a while!
I have not had any "new" news to report. I guess that's good right? I have my 5th treatment this upcoming Thursday. I will be starting a new drug called Taxol. The doctor has said that I shouldn't have as many side effects with the upcoming treatments. I should be less nauseous - which will be wonderful! Hopefully I will be able to function a little better this upcoming weekend. There is a chance that I will have an allergic reaction to the new drug. If this happens, it will be immediate. Part of the pre-treatment is Benadryll to try and ward off any reactions. Keep your fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly!
Other than that, nothing new or exciting has happened.
I signed up for a 5 mile cancer walk in Boston on October 2nd. My friend Krust is going to walk with me! I'm glad that she is going to do it with me!
I will try and update this weekend on how the "new" treatment went.
I have not had any "new" news to report. I guess that's good right? I have my 5th treatment this upcoming Thursday. I will be starting a new drug called Taxol. The doctor has said that I shouldn't have as many side effects with the upcoming treatments. I should be less nauseous - which will be wonderful! Hopefully I will be able to function a little better this upcoming weekend. There is a chance that I will have an allergic reaction to the new drug. If this happens, it will be immediate. Part of the pre-treatment is Benadryll to try and ward off any reactions. Keep your fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly!
Other than that, nothing new or exciting has happened.
I signed up for a 5 mile cancer walk in Boston on October 2nd. My friend Krust is going to walk with me! I'm glad that she is going to do it with me!
I will try and update this weekend on how the "new" treatment went.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
quick update
Here's a quick update on how my last treatment went.
Thursday was treatment #3. I was not feeling it while i was there. I felt kinda nauseous during treatment but i survived. When I got home we ate dinner then I went to bed early. The next day I felt fine! I had to go to Worcester to get my Neulasta shot. Insurance wouldn't cover me getting it from a retail pharmacy (CVS). So my choices were have it mailed to my house and pay the copay or get it done at the office and it was no charge. I figured out that it was cheaper to pay gas than the copay, so off to the doctors it was.
Saturday came with the same yuckiness that it always brings, but it was tolerable. I think because i know what to expect it isn't "as bad" as the first time. By dinnertime I was able to eat a normal meal. Sunday was a little better. I was stuck at home because of the "hurricane" so no grocery shopping and we didn't lose power so that was good.
Monday and Tuesday were "staff back to school" days. It was good to see everyone again after the summer. A lot of people knew about my situation either through the blog or facebook so they wanted to see how i was and to tell me that i am handling things well and that I look good. A few did not know anything and were shocked to find out. All I keep saying is that "it is what it is, and there was nothing I could have done to change whats going on. I have 2 options, sit at home and be depressed or carry on as normally as I can." I choose normalcy.
Wednesday and today we had orientation and the 1st day of school! It was good to see the new group of kids and Maddie was very excited to start 2nd grade. The kids that knew the "old" me weren't too sure what was going on. I think most of them just thought that I had my hair up under my hat! I had one girl that was in our class 2 years ago ask me what happened to my hair and I had a few kids ask me if i cut my hair or if i had hair. I just gave them a quick, "I have to take special medicine that made my hair fall out, but it will grow back" and they were fine with that! One girl in our class this year that came from Ethiopia (who knew me last year) asked me this morning if i had cut my hair. When i told her why it was really short, she said "oh its short like my dads?" and i said yes. she stopped for a second then says "just take off your hat then, its OK"! I would go hatless but everyone would take it differently. I'm not sure I'm ready for the stares.
This weekend we have plans to go to the cape. Then 2 days of school, then off Thursday/Friday for round #4. Just about 1/2 way there. The doctor has said that the Taxol part (rounds 5-8) of chemo is not as bad as the A/C part. I shouldn't be as nauseous which will be good.
Thursday was treatment #3. I was not feeling it while i was there. I felt kinda nauseous during treatment but i survived. When I got home we ate dinner then I went to bed early. The next day I felt fine! I had to go to Worcester to get my Neulasta shot. Insurance wouldn't cover me getting it from a retail pharmacy (CVS). So my choices were have it mailed to my house and pay the copay or get it done at the office and it was no charge. I figured out that it was cheaper to pay gas than the copay, so off to the doctors it was.
Saturday came with the same yuckiness that it always brings, but it was tolerable. I think because i know what to expect it isn't "as bad" as the first time. By dinnertime I was able to eat a normal meal. Sunday was a little better. I was stuck at home because of the "hurricane" so no grocery shopping and we didn't lose power so that was good.
Monday and Tuesday were "staff back to school" days. It was good to see everyone again after the summer. A lot of people knew about my situation either through the blog or facebook so they wanted to see how i was and to tell me that i am handling things well and that I look good. A few did not know anything and were shocked to find out. All I keep saying is that "it is what it is, and there was nothing I could have done to change whats going on. I have 2 options, sit at home and be depressed or carry on as normally as I can." I choose normalcy.
Wednesday and today we had orientation and the 1st day of school! It was good to see the new group of kids and Maddie was very excited to start 2nd grade. The kids that knew the "old" me weren't too sure what was going on. I think most of them just thought that I had my hair up under my hat! I had one girl that was in our class 2 years ago ask me what happened to my hair and I had a few kids ask me if i cut my hair or if i had hair. I just gave them a quick, "I have to take special medicine that made my hair fall out, but it will grow back" and they were fine with that! One girl in our class this year that came from Ethiopia (who knew me last year) asked me this morning if i had cut my hair. When i told her why it was really short, she said "oh its short like my dads?" and i said yes. she stopped for a second then says "just take off your hat then, its OK"! I would go hatless but everyone would take it differently. I'm not sure I'm ready for the stares.
This weekend we have plans to go to the cape. Then 2 days of school, then off Thursday/Friday for round #4. Just about 1/2 way there. The doctor has said that the Taxol part (rounds 5-8) of chemo is not as bad as the A/C part. I shouldn't be as nauseous which will be good.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Update on treatment #2
Wow... its been a week since I've last updated.
After treatment last Thursday, I felt about the same as the 1st treatment. Thursday night i felt nauseous. I took a Zofran. My doctor had said to only take the Zofran, to see if it was the other pill that was messing with my eyes. Well low and behold, it was and my eyes were fine after this treatment! That was good.
Friday I felt OK, Maddie went to CoCo Key with camp, and I did some shopping. Afterwards I went home and gave myself the Neulasta shot and went back to CoCo Key to pick up Maddie. I knew that Saturday was not going to be fun.
Saturday was rough again. I feel like it is a double-edged sword in a way. I feel nauseous and know I need to keep eating little bits, but I feel like if I eat, i will feel sick because of the food. On the Saturday after, I feel like its a no win situation! I was able to make it through the day by forcing myself to eat a little and take the Zofran every 6-7 hours. By dinnertime I felt a little better and was able to eat more. Compared to after the last treatment, I think this week went a little better. Maybe I was just prepared for what was to come? Maybe it was because I was just taking the one pill? Who knows?
I may have to go back to the doctors to get the next two Neulasta shots. The office isn't sure how to bill the insurance company since they are not technically "giving" me the shot. They tried writing it as a script and sending it to CVS, but the shot is not available at a retail pharmacy. They are checking to see if it will be covered by mail. I will have to wait and see. I may be making 2 extra trips to Worcester.
Sunday I started to feel better, and have been progressively better each day since.
Monday I went to the "Look Good, Feel Better" class. My mom came with me. It was good. They talked about wigs, how to tie scarves, skin care and make-up. Everyone got a bag filled with all sorts of make-up, face wash, moisturizer etc. It was a good time, I'm glad i went.
My hair is FINALLY coming out. Everyone in the medical field had said it would fall out between day 10-14 (with treatment #1 being day 1). Mine didn't happen till day 21. I think it took so long because I shaved my head. I was not touching, brushing or running my hands though it. It is pretty much all out now. There are a few patchy spots and some very fine hairs left, but it is mostly gone. My scalp is so white! Oh well, its only hair!
The next week should be smooth sailing, till treatment #3 a week from today.
After treatment last Thursday, I felt about the same as the 1st treatment. Thursday night i felt nauseous. I took a Zofran. My doctor had said to only take the Zofran, to see if it was the other pill that was messing with my eyes. Well low and behold, it was and my eyes were fine after this treatment! That was good.
Friday I felt OK, Maddie went to CoCo Key with camp, and I did some shopping. Afterwards I went home and gave myself the Neulasta shot and went back to CoCo Key to pick up Maddie. I knew that Saturday was not going to be fun.
Saturday was rough again. I feel like it is a double-edged sword in a way. I feel nauseous and know I need to keep eating little bits, but I feel like if I eat, i will feel sick because of the food. On the Saturday after, I feel like its a no win situation! I was able to make it through the day by forcing myself to eat a little and take the Zofran every 6-7 hours. By dinnertime I felt a little better and was able to eat more. Compared to after the last treatment, I think this week went a little better. Maybe I was just prepared for what was to come? Maybe it was because I was just taking the one pill? Who knows?
I may have to go back to the doctors to get the next two Neulasta shots. The office isn't sure how to bill the insurance company since they are not technically "giving" me the shot. They tried writing it as a script and sending it to CVS, but the shot is not available at a retail pharmacy. They are checking to see if it will be covered by mail. I will have to wait and see. I may be making 2 extra trips to Worcester.
Sunday I started to feel better, and have been progressively better each day since.
Monday I went to the "Look Good, Feel Better" class. My mom came with me. It was good. They talked about wigs, how to tie scarves, skin care and make-up. Everyone got a bag filled with all sorts of make-up, face wash, moisturizer etc. It was a good time, I'm glad i went.
My hair is FINALLY coming out. Everyone in the medical field had said it would fall out between day 10-14 (with treatment #1 being day 1). Mine didn't happen till day 21. I think it took so long because I shaved my head. I was not touching, brushing or running my hands though it. It is pretty much all out now. There are a few patchy spots and some very fine hairs left, but it is mostly gone. My scalp is so white! Oh well, its only hair!
The next week should be smooth sailing, till treatment #3 a week from today.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Treatment #2
Treatment #2 is done! Mike came with me to keep me company, and the time seemed to go by faster this time. We snacked, played with our phones, and played Scrabble. The score was close, but I ended up winning - using the word Quit on a double letter and triple word score really racked up my points :)
I talked to the doctor about my vision issues and the anti-nausea meds and he seems to think that the Compazine was causing it. He told me to only take the Zofran and to see if that helps. Hopefully it will!
Yesterday when I got home I had a few nice surprises. There was a card and gift certificate for a massage from my cousin Lyndsay. And a "where's waldo" postcard (to pass the time) from some of my friends. Both were very thoughtful! Thank you!
This past Tuesday Maddie and I spent time with Jill and Ally. They surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers!
Today my mom gave me (and Maddie) a Kindle. That should make it easier to keep all my books in one place. Thanks Karen!
Last week, my friend Cyndy gave me a hat that she got while on vacation. It is blue patchwork pattern. Very cute! Thanks Cyndy!
Up next is the Neulasta shot tomorrow and then a not very fun Saturday!
 |
| hooked up and ready to go |
I talked to the doctor about my vision issues and the anti-nausea meds and he seems to think that the Compazine was causing it. He told me to only take the Zofran and to see if that helps. Hopefully it will!
Yesterday when I got home I had a few nice surprises. There was a card and gift certificate for a massage from my cousin Lyndsay. And a "where's waldo" postcard (to pass the time) from some of my friends. Both were very thoughtful! Thank you!
This past Tuesday Maddie and I spent time with Jill and Ally. They surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers!
 |
| flowers from Jill |
Today my mom gave me (and Maddie) a Kindle. That should make it easier to keep all my books in one place. Thanks Karen!
Last week, my friend Cyndy gave me a hat that she got while on vacation. It is blue patchwork pattern. Very cute! Thanks Cyndy!
The best thing of all is the "special" way my brother Travis has chosen to support me. He shaved his head practically bald to match me!
 |
| bald Trav |
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Goodbye Hair
As a lot of you already know, I shaved my head last night. I was ready to do it, as I did not want my hair falling out in big clumps. I had originally planned on doing it Sunday morning, but i figured, whats 12 hours early?
Mike was going to shave it for me, but as he put it, he "wanted to be know as the supportive boyfriend, instead of the one that shaved my head". That was fine, his dad Paul, shaved it for me and he did a great job! Mike did do a few "clean up" spots - so he did end up helping in the end!
Mike and I went to the Cape - that's where his parents were - to shave my head. We lit a fire in the fire pit, and as the time got closer, we were all getting a little nervous. Finally, around 7:30pm we really got ready to go.
My hair ended up being really fine and it was hard to get it to catch on the clippers! That just meant it was time to get inventive......
After Paul was done doing the majority of the work, Mike took over and cleaned up around my ears and got any strays that were missed.
Finally we were done, and if i do say, I think I look pretty good for being practically bald! Luckily, my head is not lopsided or something!
I do have hats that I am planning on wearing when I am out, but when I am home, I am not wearing anything - unless my head gets cold or something!
Maddie was not with us when all this was going on, she hung out with Karen and Jimmy's family at the lake and then with Karen and Raf at the Bazaar. When she first saw me, she told me to keep my hat on. That lasted about 5 minutes, the hat came off, and by the time we got home, she was rubbing my new head!
Mike was going to shave it for me, but as he put it, he "wanted to be know as the supportive boyfriend, instead of the one that shaved my head". That was fine, his dad Paul, shaved it for me and he did a great job! Mike did do a few "clean up" spots - so he did end up helping in the end!
Mike and I went to the Cape - that's where his parents were - to shave my head. We lit a fire in the fire pit, and as the time got closer, we were all getting a little nervous. Finally, around 7:30pm we really got ready to go.
 |
| All set for the first swipe |
 |
| still smiling..... |
 |
| even with a T shaved into my head! |
After Paul was done doing the majority of the work, Mike took over and cleaned up around my ears and got any strays that were missed.
 |
| make sure you get every piece |
Finally we were done, and if i do say, I think I look pretty good for being practically bald! Luckily, my head is not lopsided or something!
 |
| front |
 |
| and the back |
Maddie was not with us when all this was going on, she hung out with Karen and Jimmy's family at the lake and then with Karen and Raf at the Bazaar. When she first saw me, she told me to keep my hat on. That lasted about 5 minutes, the hat came off, and by the time we got home, she was rubbing my new head!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Wigs
Today my friend Krust (her real name is Kristy, but I will save the story behind her nickname for another day!) came with me to my wig appointment. Although i am not planning on wearing a wig at all, my insurance covered the full cost of one, so i figured i might as well get it and have it "just in case". Who knows, I may have a wedding or a night out that I want to have "hair" for! Lets just say that I am so glad she came with me! We had a blast!!!!!!
I finally settled on a look that was pretty close to my natural hair color but with highlights. It is going to take some getting used - it was so weird looking in the mirror at myself with a wig on! Pretty creepy even!
Here are some THUMBS DOWN, yet FUNNY pics.....
As Krust put it "you look like the dentist from Roudolf".....
Long with bangs.....
Very bad pixie that we were laughing so hard we were almost crying.....
Then the one that I finally chose (it was actually the 1st one that I tried on I think)......
This weekend I will be going to the Cape and Mike's dad will most likely be shaving my head on Sunday. I would rather shave it sooner rather than later - when it decides to come out in clumps.
Also, I am waiting to hear back about the "Look good, Feel better" class that is offered for patients with cancer that lose their hair. I should hear back next week!
I finally settled on a look that was pretty close to my natural hair color but with highlights. It is going to take some getting used - it was so weird looking in the mirror at myself with a wig on! Pretty creepy even!
Here are some THUMBS DOWN, yet FUNNY pics.....
As Krust put it "you look like the dentist from Roudolf".....
Very bad pixie that we were laughing so hard we were almost crying.....
Blond bombshell.....
and a back view.....
This weekend I will be going to the Cape and Mike's dad will most likely be shaving my head on Sunday. I would rather shave it sooner rather than later - when it decides to come out in clumps.
Also, I am waiting to hear back about the "Look good, Feel better" class that is offered for patients with cancer that lose their hair. I should hear back next week!
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