Where has the time gone?

I looked at my last blog and it's been over a month! I do apologize. I'll blame it on the following: I've been more fatigued lately and have been experiencing a little more nausea. I suppose that could be due to the accumulation of 8 months of chemo. But nausea can also be one of the side effects of my monthly injection of Faslodex (an estrogen inhibitor). Enough whining for now--although several of my friends have given me permission to whine whenever I feel like it!

We finally were able to get Mom moved into her new apt. at the Lilac Terrace. What a lovely place, and she has fit in very nicely. She and a group of about 5 women have joined together at dinnertime so she is making some new acquaintances.....just what we were hoping would happen.

The doctor took me off chemo in the middle of Novemeber so I can be energized for Elise and Matt's upcoming wedding on Dec. 20. We can't wait! We're hoping for a skiff of snow, but that would just be "icing on the cake".

As for the future, I'll get another injection Dec. 31 to be followed by a PT/CT scan the first part of Jan. Dr. Nichols , Dan, and I will meet Jan. 11 to discuss the results and to plan for the coming months.

These past couple of months have been more difficult than the previous ones. Thank you for continuing to call, think of, and pray for me. I thank God for each one of you.

With love,
Linda

Let Round 8 Begin!

That title makes me feel like I'm in a boxing ring, but, on second thought, I find it rather fitting.

Thank you for checking in with me again. Last Thursday was the 1st session in our 8th round of chemo. I do feel a little more fatigued and some nausea setting in, but they're manageable side effects (i.e. I have drugs.) The once a month injections of Faslodex (an estrogen inhibitor) will continue in Nov. and Dec.. My actual break from chemo will begin in mid-Nov. and continue through Dec. Dr. Nichols will order a scan for sometime after the first of the year. I can't believe we're talking about 2010.

Since I am wearing down somewhat, I've cut back to two students per week--one on Mon. a.m. and one on Wed. a.m. My reasoning is: I'll have to get out of bed early at least two days a week.

We are looking forward to having Matt & Elise here for Thanksgiving and finding it difficult to fathom that the wedding is less than 2 months away. We can't wait! Thank you, Elise--your organizational skills have been a godsend.

It's time to rest now. I love snuggling up in one of my hand-made blankets/quilts and hats (made thoughtfully by dear friends). Today's a fireplace kind of day, so I'll add that into the mix.

With love,
Linda

It's been a busy week!

I can't believe it's already Monday night and I haven't brought you up to date since last Thursday's chemo. It was a short session (about 2 hours) and included my new med (Faslodex) which is administered to the gluteus maximus once a month as an estrogen inhibitor. The side effects have been minimal with just a little soreness in the sitting area. I've also had a touch of nausea (I can't really say that it's related), but I'm still eating.

Saturday and Sunday found Dan and me in Ellensburg for a dual purpose. We celebrated Elise's 30th birthday a week and a half early. If you happen to be in the area at dinnertime, you must try "Saisons" (spelling--questionable). That was Saturday evening with Elise and Matt and then on Sunday we cheered them on in the "Climb for the Cure". A friend of Elise's from college organized a team of about 10 members which went on to raise the most donations per capita for the entire event. "Go, Team Cancer-Free Climbers!" The climb took place on one of the hills south of Ellensburg and covered about 5 miles to the top and back down. Although we didn't stay to greet them at the finish line. the opening ceremonies were very moving. Someone should have warned me that I would need a pile of kleenex as a participant in the parade of survivors. About 450 climbers raised over $20,000 for cancer research. Bless them all!

Today I attended the Susan G. Komen Lunch for the Cure at the Red Lion Hotel. It was good to have my dear friend, Jackie, sitting by my side. She, like so many of you, have been riding out this storm with me from the very beginning. I would also like to offer special thanks to Ginny who endured a wig search with me this week. I must have tried on the same three wigs 17 times each. She used her keen eye to help me choose a very "sassy" wig that went public today at the lunch. I must say that I felt conspicuous wearing hair in public. Who would have thought? I received so many positive comments, though, that I know it was the right choice

That should do it for now. I look forward to sending my next update.

Thank you for your continued love and support,
Linda

PET Scan results

My scans (both PET and CAT) yesterday went just fine. I managed to drink the thick berry beverage and keep it down. I don't know what percentage is made up of sugar, but it serves the purpose of aiming right for those sugar-loving cancer cells.

Today Dan and I met with Dr. Nichols and she reviewed both scans with us. The bottom line is that we are cautiously optomistic. The cancer in the bone regions (lumbar spine, pelivs, sternum and ribs) has regressed and is even hard to see in places. It is also coninuing to regress in my lymph nodes. We thank God, my doctor and her expertise, the meds and all of you for holding us up in your thoughts and prayers. My liver, on the other hand, seems to have a mind of its own. Some of the lesions are smaller while others appear to have grown. Radiation may be an option after the cancer is put into remission in the other areas. If I am correct about this, the radiation is more effective if it focuses on one organ without the threat of cancer waiting to return from the bones or lymph nodes. (Don't quote me on this!) Dr. Nichols also prefers to wait on radiation because of the negative effect that it can have have on bone marrow. I need those white cells to be healthy!

I will have the current chemo drugs in Oct. and Nov. and then start my 1 or 2 month break just before Thanksgiving. In the meantime, I will be given a monthly injection of Faslodex (anti-estrogen med) to help keep things stable during my break.

We are feeling good and know that there are many options out there for breast cancer patients. I continue to build my immune system through nutrition and am considering a yoga class for breast cancer patients/survivors. It's getting difficult to find time to fit it all in, but Dan insists, and I agree, that taking care of myself has to come first right now (and hopefully for a long time!)

With love,
Linda

Waiting...

Dear Family & Friends,

Last Thursday was my final session in six rounds of chemo. That makes 18 days of chemo spread out over 6 months, just in case anyone has forgotten how that works! I am feeling good, for the most part. My finger and toenails are taking the brunt of things right now. I won't go into any more details in case you're eating a snack as you read this.

We are eagerly awaiting the PET scan on Sept. 30 (about 9:00 a.m. at Deaconess Hospital) as well as our meeting with Dr. Nichols on Oct. 1 to discuss the results. Dan will be with me at both appointments, and can't overstate how much I appreciate his presence and support. I do have chemo scheduled for Oct. 1, but things may change depending on test results.

In the meantime, thank you for your thoughts and prayers. God is holding us up through them, so keep them coming.

And now....out to the Valley to pick up a wedding dress!

Love,
Linda

Still doing well...

Hi, All,

Last Thursday's shorter session (2 hours) came and went with very little fanfare. I barely had time to read the newspaper, and it was time to leave. My weight continues to maintain at a good level, so you know I'm eating! I'm especially trying to take in foods that will boost my immune system or aid in annhilating (I love that word) cancer cells: green tea, broccoli, cauliflower, turmeric, blueberries, and the list goes on. Of course, I have an occasional cookie just so I don't forget what they taste like. My sister, Vicki, has loaned me her juicer which is supposed to be very helpful in the cancer fight. I love mixing deep purple grapes, strawberries and blueberries.

My hair is starting to grow back, so I asked the doctor if that meant the chemo drugs were not being as effective. Fortunately, that is not the case, and I am following a normal pattern. I've colored my hair for so long that I can't remember what it used to look like. I can guarantee you that it won't be plain old brown anymore. I'm finding it quite an adventure to see what the end result will be.

I look forward to posting my next blog which will mark the end of 6 months of chemo. Thank you for continuing on in this journey with me.

Love,
Linda

Month 6!

Greetings, all,
Yesterday marked the beginning of my 6th month of chemo....it seems impossible. I didn't post a blog last week since it was my week off and there wasn't much to report. Thank you for continuing to check in on me.

All went well yesterday--it's starting to feel like home in the chemo suite. I curl up with a blanket, neck pillow, newspaper or book, and, of course, an IV. Before chemo I had lab work done, and everything is looking good, "bloodwise". Then I met with Dr. Nichols, where we discussed the upcoming PET scan on Sept. 30 and the follow-up visit on Oct. 1 to discuss results. (She's great at not making me wait forever to hear results of tests.) We have scheduled chemo for the 1st as well. If the scan shows continued progress, I will most likely have chemo the rest of Oct. and then take the 2-month break that she has been talking about. She knows that Elise is getting married in Dec. and besides giving my body a rest, she wants me in good shape for the wedding. I must say I am looking forward to that boost in energy and stamina. There are other oral or injected drugs that we can use during those two months to help keep things at bay, and that does feel reassuring. I just don't want to lose ground, as you can well imagine.

I am teaching 5 or 6 students in Sept. and will probably continue that schedule in Oct. I will be seeing 2 students in the mornings on Mon., Tues., and Wed. with a little break between lessons. That seems to work well with my energy level for now. A number of my students have been transferred to other teachers. I am grateful for these friends' willingness to find room in their busy schedules.

Thank you again, Ginny, for devising this great way to keep my friends and family informed. You did a great service for all of us!

Linda

Chemo 5.2

Last Thursday's chemo went very well, thanks to my good friend Vivian. (Have we really known each other since jr. high, Viv?!). Anyway, she stopped by my home for a surprise visit, not knowing that I was heading out for chemo in 15 minutes. She was good enough to follow us (my dear in-laws were my chauffeurs d'jour) to the clinic where she spent the entire time with me. We had a great visit talking about the past as well as what's going on in our lives right now. This has been a year that has hit hard in many ways, both for us and a good number of our friends and family. It is comforting to know that we are not alone as we travel through these trials. I am overwhelmed with the support we continue to receive--lunch and dinner invitations, visits from out-of-town friends, unexpected food delivered to our door, cards and more cards, your ceaseless prayers--I am speechless.

Thank you,
Linda

Month 5, Week 1

Did I just type month 5? It hardly seems possible. In some ways the months have moved by quickly. (Wasn't I just getting ready to board a plane to Atlanta?) Then there are other times that tend to take more endurance. I think the high temperatures these last few weeks took it out of me a little more than normal.

I am teaching 5 students this month to get a feeling for what I want to do in September. It has been energizing to focus my thoughts, if only for a few hours a week. When possible, I help in transporting Mom to physical therapy. Her upper arm is healing well, but her hand is still trying to recover from swelling and numbness.

My first session of chemo in August was actually very rewarding. I had the privilege of sitting next to a man who is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer which, unfortunately, does not have a promising prognosis. We visited the entire time and his outlook was uplifiting to me in many ways. I was also reminded how fortunate I am that breast cancer patients have so many options when it comes to treatment. When my nurse came to "unhook" me, I asked her if she had remembered to give me all of my drugs since I was sure I had only been there an hour or two. Of course, she knew what she was doing, and it was, in fact, time for me to leave! I can truthfully say that I look forward to my chemo days, knowing that I am receiving the best of care, and that you are all out there holding me in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you,
Linda

Good News!

Yesterday concluded my final chemo session of round 4, which is good news in itself. But even better than that--at my pre-chemo exam with the nurse practitioner, I was told that my cancer marker number had come down significantly. Specifically, the CEA (carcinogen emryonic antigen), which had been as high as 1050 is now down to 330 (normal is 5!). Elise was in the room with me and I think we both silently said a prayer of thanks at the same time. After that, I couldn't wait to get the line hooked up to my port and continue the fight! I spent the afternoon napping at home and then enjoyed a lovely dinner prepared by Elise (stir fried orange beef). That was a good choice on her part since my red blood cell count was down. Dan did the clean up, and I was left to my own devices. I love my family!!

Mom's humerus replacement surgery went well yesterday. I was only able to speak to her on the phone, and, as one would expect, she was somewhat rummy. I am not able to visit her in the hopsital or at the extended care facility until my blood count comes back up. so Dan and Elise will do the in-person visiting while I rely on the phone. I'm so relieved that her 2-week wait for surgery is over.

I just have to share something from Psalm 16:8 that I have been clinging to through all of this. "Because God is at my right hand, I will not be shaken". I've repeated that verse inside MRIs and CT scans, when I'm down, or when I think I'm just about to lose it! I also think of each one of you who is holding me in your thoughts and prayers. We will get through this together.

Love,
Linda

It's Going Well!

Just a quick update to say that the second session of my fourth round went well. The chemo suite was almost empty, so I felt that I was receiving extra special attention from the nurses. By the way, they are always wonderful, making sure patients are comfortable and well attended.

Elise and her housemate, Mindy, spent the weekend with us. We had a lovely day in Coeur d'Alene before Mindy flew back to Seattle this evening. Elise will stay here for two weeks so we can take care of some wedding details. She'll also be helping both my mother and me as needed. Tomorrow we'll take Mom to a couple of appointments which will lead up to her humerus replacement surgery on Thursday. After that, she will be in an extended care facility for about a week.

I appreciate your comments and look forward to sending you good news week by week.

Thankyou!
Linda

Session 4 Begins

I'm slipping! It's three days past my Friday chemo session and I haven't checked in. All went well, at least on my part. Unfortunately, my mom, who always serves as my chauffeur and caretaker, fell and fractured her left arm last Wed. We'll find out tomorrow if she needs surgery when we visit the orthopedic surgeon. In the meantime, my faithful friend, Carlene, responded to my last minute call to cart me down to CCNW (Cancer Care N.W.), and Dan picked me up on his lunch hour. Of course, he would be willing to take me both ways, but so many family and friends have offered to drive, I just can't resist taking them up on their offers.

Once again, I am thankful for the lack of nausea, etc. and am trying to remember to rest several times throughout the day. I consider it a day well spent if I manage to unload the dishwasher, make the bed and go at least one place outside these four walls! Thank you to everyone--you continue to call, e-mail, send cards and invite me to lunch--even after almost four months of this new life. I must admit, I am unpredictably up and down as far as my emotions go, but since that is quite normal, I'm trying to give myself a break. (Everyone else is!)

With gratitude for each one of you,
Linda

CT Scan Completed

Thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement. They got me through this day of waiting for Dr. Nichols' call which came around 6 p.m. The CT scan shows that the cancer has been stabilized and is actually getting smaller in my liver, lymph nodes and most bone areas. The spine does show some cancer growth, but we are still on the attack! The plan is to go forward into another 3 months of chemo (same drugs and same schedule). I take this all as good news and an answer to your many prayers.

Elise flew home last night and we spent today running wedding errands and having lunch with friends. What a great distraction, not to mention just plain fun! We ended the day "beefing" up my red blood cell count with BBQ'd steaks in the backyard. I wish you could have all been here, but please know that I felt your presence.

With love,
Linda

Round 3 Completed

Greetings, All,

Yesterday completed round 3 of chemo (for a total of 9 sessions). Once again my body handled it well--the only downside was the effect of the steroid last night. I finally got out of bed at 2 a.m. and laid on the couch where I read until 4:00. After a couple hours of sleep, I felt fully awake and ready to go. I know, however, that this is drug-produced energy and fully intend to lay down this afternoon.

My CT scan is scheduled for 11:00 on Monday. I have my 32 oz. of yummy berry flavored contrast fluid ready to refrigerate and drink over a 12-hour period. I do appreciate your thoughts and prayers as I try not to play out every possible outcome in my mind over and over again. I am trying, instead, to live in the moment and appreciate what each day brings. Yesterday I was grateful for Mom massaging my feet while I relaxed in my chemo lounge chair. Then Mary Simpson stopped by to visit after her students performed in the lobby again. I couldn't hear them but could imagine the wonderful music they were creating. Today, Ginny Morse (my blog creator) is picking me up so we can have a picnic lunch in a nearby park. It's a beautiful day, and she couldn't have picked a better outing for me.

Thank you again for your continuous support demonstrated is so many ways. I know you are with me every step of the way. I thank God for each one of you.

Linda

Doing Well!

Having just completed my 2nd chemo session of round 3, I am happy to report that I am still handling it well. I'm quite positive that there will be more chemo after the scan on June 29, possibly another 3 months. (Bring it on!!) I think I was able to get 6 hrs. of sleep last night, and I can operate on that--at least until my afternoon nap!

Thanks to Ashley Ulmer, we had a lovely Greek dinner waiting for us yesterday evening and then Dan's folks brought spaghetti, bread and salad which will be on tonight's menu. We are not lacking for great food thanks to our generous family and friends. When I start feeling guilty about all the meals we have been receiving, I am reminded by many that this is a blessing to them as well.

Some of you have asked for a little more info on Elise and Matt. They met on E-Harmony just over a year ago. Matt moved to the Seattle area from Phoenix about 2 years ago, I believe. He is an electrical engineer for Aerojet and enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, from snowboarding to kayaking. Most importantly to us, Matt loves and cherishes Elise and vice versa. We had the privilege of meeting his parents a couple of months ago. We rendevouzed at a restaurant in Ellensburg and the six of us had a lovely afternoon together. We are very thankful that they have joined the ranks of those who are praying for my recovery.

I look forward to your comments, phone calls, e-mails, and visits. Blessings on each one of you! We thank God for His care and for yours as well.

Love,
Linda

Let Round Three Begin

Round 3 of chemo began yesterday. That's right--on a Thursday--and the remaining June sessions will all be on Thursday mornings. I'm content with any day as long as it's in the morning, the time I feel best and have the most energy. Once again, Mom made me comfortable with blankets, neck pillow and cozy socks on my feet. I also enjoyed a visit from Victoria Nord, one of our SMTA piano teachers who, like Mary Simpson, has walked this road before me. They both have offered me so much inspiration and comfort. After two more sessions I will be ready for a CT scan on June 29. That will tell us where we go next--either more of the same or a new chemo combination. In any case, it sounds like there is more to come, and I am just fine with that. I do not want to let up in any way.

I received a good night's sleep last night, in spite of the steroids. The few meds I took helped me to wake up refreshed and ready to go! I try to get on the treamill almost everyday and am working back up to a mile. Knowing that exercise and good diet are proven cancer fighters are great motivators!

Last weekend was especially joyful for us as Elise and Matt (Harris) drove from Seattle to celebrate not only Dan's birthday but their recent engagement. They are looking at a Dec. 20 wedding, and we are so thrilled. Now I have something wonderful to focus on and help (where needed!).

Thank you for your constant support. I'll continue to keep you posted.

Linda

End of Round 2

It certainly feels good to be able to say that! Yesterday was a 4-hour session, but it moved along nicely. The chemo nurses are the greatest and are there at your beck and call. Mom stayed with me for a while and then took off with a flurry of activities on her schedule. (Those of you who know my mom can easily picture this!) I have not experienced any nausea since yesterday, so maybe last week's bout was just a touch of the flu. Last night the steroids were in full effect which allowed me to sleep just about 4 hours. On the upside, I was able to finish reading, "How I Got to be This Way", by Patrick Mc Manus. I never thought he would be my cup of tea, but I love his writing. I tried to nap today, but to no avail. I did manage to lay down for an hour, hoping that would be the next best thing for my body.

Thank you for following me on my adventure. I can feel all of you giving me a hug right now!
Linda

Chemo 2.2

We're half way through the three rounds of chemo--reason for celebration I would say! It was a relatively short stay today--2 1/2 hours. For some reason I slept through a good portion of it. Maybe it had something to do with the later hour (after lunch) and my dear mom keeping me covered with comfy blankets that are provided for us. I also visited my dermatologist earlier today about the folliculitis on my scalp, and he gave me two new meds to help get things under control. One thing he suggested (strongly) is that I go hatless as much as possible to aid the healing process. So I'm swallowing my silly pride and following his orders whenever I can.

Another helpful hint I have received is from a cousin in Alaska who suggested I use Manuka honey from New Zealand to relieve mouth and throat sores. Who would have guess that a little spoonful of this delicious, caramel-colored honey could take care of an annoying sore in the back of my throat? Thank you, Monte!

I had sufficient energy to come home after chemo and direct Dan as he finished planting our pots. I have become quite capable at pointing and instructing. Thankfully, he takes it all in stride. He is special, indeed!

My plan was to eat a healthy turkey burger for dinner, but our neighbor, Steve, had something much more delectable in store for us--slow cooked, Asian style ribs. So much for turkey burgers. They can just wait!

We have thoroughly enjoyed the many meals and visits that we have received. Thank you, all, for being there for us. We continue to appreciate your thoughts and prayers more than you can know.

Linda

Round 2 has begun!

Last Friday was the beginning of Chemo-Part II. I continue to tolerate the treatment well except for an annoying rash on my head. The antibiotics used to treat the rash result in a rash on my hands and arms....what's a girl to do?! We're opting out of the antibiotics for now and after using baby shampoo, I'm just going hatless/scarfless as much as possible. It feels good to let the breeze float through what remains of my hair.

It has been wonderful having Elise home as she attended the WA Education Assoc. Convention in Spokane. Unfortunately, she came down with a case of the stomach flu, so we all donned masks with the hope of avoiding a full-blown Burger plague. So far, so good. Elise skipped her flight back to Seattle last night, and instead she will be flying out this afternoon.

I seem to be cancelling more lessons than I am teaching lately, but that seems to be what I currently need. Each day is different, but God and you, my family and friends, are giving me the strength I need to meet each day. Blessings on all of you!

Linda

One week off!

No chemo this Friday--so instead I'm going plant shopping with my neighbor. Sounds like a much more agreeable activity! Thank you, Nancy, for the nice diversion.

My hair is now falling out at a lively pace. I forgot that I didn't have a hat on when I answered the door this afternoon. The poor mailman didn't know which way to look! I have developed what is termed "folliculitis" (not sure of the spelling), but I think it's basically cradle cap! I've started antibiotics and that will hopefully stamp out this little brush fire.

If I eat at fairly regular intervals (about every two hours) I am able to stave off any nausea. Sleeping is going well at night. I have one or two wake ups but just usually turn over and go back to sleep.

It was good to attend our final Spokane Music Teachers' meeting of the year today. But I did find out that three hours out and about is just enough to do me in. Must pay attention to my body!

Thank you all for your continued support.

End of Round 1!

Dear Family & Friends,
As of today I have completed round 1 of my chemotherapy session and I am pleased to say that I continue to weather it well. It lasted about 5 hours which was longer than originally planned. (It had something to do with my IV/blood return....and that's all you need to know about that!) Everything finally went smoothly. Next week is my one week off from chemo and that completes the official 1st round.

I thank God, good meds, good food (from many of you!), and plenty of rest as I know this has all contributed to my well being. When I am out of sorts, I just go to bed early, usually when it's still light! With the right combination of medicine, I can usually get a good night's sleep. I read several Psalms every night with pen in hand, and underline everything that's on my heart. What a wonderful sleep aid!

My doctor met with me today and let me know that we would complete 3 rounds of chemo before scanning again. That will most likely put the scan in July. In the meantime, I'm trying to be a good patient by exercising, eating good things (which I actually crave), adding piano students slowly to my week, and connecting with so many people in my different worlds. You all keep me going, you know!!

I think I finally have this blog thing figured out (thanks to my good friend, Ginny), so it's time for a new post. I have had 2 chemo sessions and seem to be weathering them quite well. Thanks to the miracle of anti-nausea meds in my IV, feeling sick to my stomach has not been an issue. Fatigue, on the other hand, is my primary side effect and one which I don't mind at all. It is helpful that I have been able to take a break from teaching so I can sit on the sofa with the sun pouring in on my back. It's very comforting! I did teach five 15-minutes lessons last weeks and I found it so exhilarating that I am going to try for three 40-minute lessons this week. My hair has not fallen out yet, but I'm ready with my arsenal of new hats and scarves.

Thursday Update

Greetings,
Tomorrow is the big day! Chemo starts at 9:00 a.m. and I'll be there for 5 hours. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. By the way, my hair is very short and spikey!