Can't believe today is the last day of September! Wow
No doctors appointments recently but I did make my appointment for Genetic Testing. I am going to UT Southwestern Medical Center, to their Fort Worth office, on Tuesday. They sent me some paperwork to fill out regarding history. Let's just say I now know more about my family than I ever have!
It started with my parents and grandparents. I had to put whether they are alive or deceased and what age they are or were at time of death. Then I had to list all my parents' siblings. My Mom is one of 7!!!! So I had to list how old each of them are. Then it went to my siblings and their off springs :)
At the end it showed me this family tree and said "click on each relative that has or has had cancer and has had their ovaries removed." Huh? So I had to call one of my Aunts and ask her "Hey do you have your ovaries?" Hahahaha I also had to ask my Mom if either of my grandmothers had theirs removed. "Who Knows" is not an option on this questionnaire! On top of all that, I had to list the age of diagnoses or age ovaries were removed. Geesh!
So Tuesday is my appointment and it my understanding we will go over that paperwork, she will draw my blood, and then send it off to the one and only lab in the US that does the BRAC analysis. I should get my results in 2-3 weeks.
Also, Tuesday is my first fill appointment with my Plastic Surgeon. I had a dream last night that he put me under to fill me, of course that isn't how it happens because they told me I would be able to drive myself home afterwards. Hope I can move my arms! Tee Hee
This last round of chemo was better than the other two. I was actually able to go to a restaurant on Friday night, and I ate something! I had the racing heart and muscle spasms in my back for a couple of days but I took some of my anxiety medicine and it seemed to help.
I still get queasy when I think of certain foods or candies. Mostly they are foods or candies I was eating during my chemos. I just want to throw up typing this and thinking about it... Maybe next time I will eat chocolate during chemo so I won't ever want chocolate again??? NAH!
Until Tuesday! Hope everyone has a blessed weekend!
Love to all,
Christy
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thursday September 23, 2010
Happy First Day of Fall Ya'll...
Today we had round 3 of chemo. Checking 1 more Adriamycin and Cytoxin off the list! Check and check! One more round of those two (terrible) concoctions in two weeks and then I move on WOOO HOOO
Taxol each week for 12 weeks will be the next step. I'm told while Taxol will make me tired, I shouldn't feel "sick". We will see.
Took my little anxiety pill before we left the house and then asked Jamey to stop at Chick Fil-A for breakfast. The pill must have kicked in because I didn't care or listen to him complaining! HAHA Just kidding honey! ;)
Checked in, didn't wait long and went back to get my blood drawn. She missed on the first stick (argh!) She was successful the second time. Off to check in to see the doctor, and wait. Surprisingly, we only waited for 5 minutes. Get in there, get my blood pressure checked (it was good), and then wait.... and wait.... and wait.... We knew it was coming at some point. We had to give the lab department enough time to run my blood. Physician's Assistant comes in and I found out my levels are good! Back to the waiting room to wait on the infusion nurse to call me.
I'd say we only waiting for 20 minutes. So far, this has been the best trip there yet! Until...
Nurse: "are you allergic to anything"
Me: "Yes, tape"
Nurse: "I think this (a piece of clear plastic with tape on ALL sides, that goes over the port once it is accessed) will be fine.
Me internally thinking: "How do I tell this nurse that won't work without telling her how to do her job?"
Nurse: adheres the tape.
Me & Jamey: CRAP!
Conveniently my nurse was at lunch when I was done, so another nurse came over to disconnect me. When she peeled off the tape, with my skin attached, and said "You are allergic to tape" HAHAHAHAHA
That lead to me telling her the above conversation. She said "telling her NOT to use that plastic with tape on it, is NOT telling her how to do her job" She then told me what to say to my nurse on what to use.
Tomorrow we go to Granbury and get the Nulasta shot. It is obviously doing it's job since my levels are good! Too bad a side effect is flu like symptoms. Usually when I get home from that appointment, I start feeling bad. So no plans this weekend.
Until my next appointment...
Love to all!
Christy
Today we had round 3 of chemo. Checking 1 more Adriamycin and Cytoxin off the list! Check and check! One more round of those two (terrible) concoctions in two weeks and then I move on WOOO HOOO
Taxol each week for 12 weeks will be the next step. I'm told while Taxol will make me tired, I shouldn't feel "sick". We will see.
Took my little anxiety pill before we left the house and then asked Jamey to stop at Chick Fil-A for breakfast. The pill must have kicked in because I didn't care or listen to him complaining! HAHA Just kidding honey! ;)
Checked in, didn't wait long and went back to get my blood drawn. She missed on the first stick (argh!) She was successful the second time. Off to check in to see the doctor, and wait. Surprisingly, we only waited for 5 minutes. Get in there, get my blood pressure checked (it was good), and then wait.... and wait.... and wait.... We knew it was coming at some point. We had to give the lab department enough time to run my blood. Physician's Assistant comes in and I found out my levels are good! Back to the waiting room to wait on the infusion nurse to call me.
I'd say we only waiting for 20 minutes. So far, this has been the best trip there yet! Until...
Nurse: "are you allergic to anything"
Me: "Yes, tape"
Nurse: "I think this (a piece of clear plastic with tape on ALL sides, that goes over the port once it is accessed) will be fine.
Me internally thinking: "How do I tell this nurse that won't work without telling her how to do her job?"
Nurse: adheres the tape.
Me & Jamey: CRAP!
Conveniently my nurse was at lunch when I was done, so another nurse came over to disconnect me. When she peeled off the tape, with my skin attached, and said "You are allergic to tape" HAHAHAHAHA
That lead to me telling her the above conversation. She said "telling her NOT to use that plastic with tape on it, is NOT telling her how to do her job" She then told me what to say to my nurse on what to use.
Tomorrow we go to Granbury and get the Nulasta shot. It is obviously doing it's job since my levels are good! Too bad a side effect is flu like symptoms. Usually when I get home from that appointment, I start feeling bad. So no plans this weekend.
Until my next appointment...
Love to all!
Christy
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wednesday September 22, 2010
Since my last blog, it has been pretty uneventful on the cancer front, thankfully.
Last Thursday, Jamey's aunt Stacy threw me a hat/scarf/necklace/earrings party at the hair salon where we get our hair done. It was fun! If you wanted, they put strips of hot pink hair in your hair. Of course my sister Michelle left with 6 strands! Morgan left with 3. :) My mom also came, and despite Morgan's constant persuasion, she did NOT get hot pink hair! She tried, it was funny :)
I did get out over the weekend and went to both of Morgan's volleyball games. They won both games, in the first 2 sets! Go Volley Bombers! My friend Luwana came over and cleaned my house on Sunday. That was really what I needed!
On to the cancer front...
Yesterday I started with a doctor's appointment with an Ophthalmologist. I have this spot next to my eye that has been there for over 2 weeks, so I decided to get it checked out since another one sprung up close to it over the weekend. His opinion is they are infected follicles... what? Ok. Another antibiotic prescription later (and a $50 copay), I was out the door.
Last night was my Look Good Feel Better class that is put on by the American Cancer Society. This event is free for all cancer patients (who can bring a friend). The cancer patient receives $150 dollars worth of free make up, the friend gets to look at it all! HAHAHA
They brought in cosmetologists to show us how to apply the makeup. i.e., how to cover up dark circles under your eyes and how to draw on eyebrows for when they fall out. They also showed us all kinds of different ways to wear a scarf. They even showed us a way to make an old t-shirt into a scarf, very interesting!
It was fun! Thank you to Aunt Stacy and my sister Michelle for coming with me! Sorry you can't have my makeup! Bwahahahaha
Tomorrow is my 3rd round of chemo. I am NOT looking forward to it! Since I am comtemplating running away to Mexico after work, I figured it might be time to fill that anxiety prescription. So, therefore, I apologize to everyone I talk to tomorrow, because I hopefully won't have a care in the world!
Until tomorrow my peeps!
Love to all!
Christy
Last Thursday, Jamey's aunt Stacy threw me a hat/scarf/necklace/earrings party at the hair salon where we get our hair done. It was fun! If you wanted, they put strips of hot pink hair in your hair. Of course my sister Michelle left with 6 strands! Morgan left with 3. :) My mom also came, and despite Morgan's constant persuasion, she did NOT get hot pink hair! She tried, it was funny :)
I did get out over the weekend and went to both of Morgan's volleyball games. They won both games, in the first 2 sets! Go Volley Bombers! My friend Luwana came over and cleaned my house on Sunday. That was really what I needed!
On to the cancer front...
Yesterday I started with a doctor's appointment with an Ophthalmologist. I have this spot next to my eye that has been there for over 2 weeks, so I decided to get it checked out since another one sprung up close to it over the weekend. His opinion is they are infected follicles... what? Ok. Another antibiotic prescription later (and a $50 copay), I was out the door.
Last night was my Look Good Feel Better class that is put on by the American Cancer Society. This event is free for all cancer patients (who can bring a friend). The cancer patient receives $150 dollars worth of free make up, the friend gets to look at it all! HAHAHA
They brought in cosmetologists to show us how to apply the makeup. i.e., how to cover up dark circles under your eyes and how to draw on eyebrows for when they fall out. They also showed us all kinds of different ways to wear a scarf. They even showed us a way to make an old t-shirt into a scarf, very interesting!
It was fun! Thank you to Aunt Stacy and my sister Michelle for coming with me! Sorry you can't have my makeup! Bwahahahaha
Tomorrow is my 3rd round of chemo. I am NOT looking forward to it! Since I am comtemplating running away to Mexico after work, I figured it might be time to fill that anxiety prescription. So, therefore, I apologize to everyone I talk to tomorrow, because I hopefully won't have a care in the world!
Until tomorrow my peeps!
Love to all!
Christy
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wednesday September 15, 2010
We need to back up to Sunday to the Team PINKston benefit. WOW!!! I cannot thank everyone enough who came, contributed, and all my friends and family that put everything together! What an awesome turnout and I got to see people I haven't seen in FOREVER! I heard they quit counting at 355 people! For me? I just don't get it! I'm VERY thankful!!! *tears*
On to today...
Today we had our consultation with the Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Shide. If anything could go wrong, you know it is going to happen to us! :)
We got there early (shocker I know!), checked in and the system was down so she was having a hard time processing our co-pay. I left Jamey up there to finish paying while I found the ladies room. I came back and he is STILL standing up there! Of course when I said "so today is free?" It processed right away...
After we finally found 2 seats together, we sat there waiting (story of our lives lately). Just as Jamey is complaining that "no one keeps appointments anymore blah blah blah" the business office lady calls me back to talk about my insurance. After explaining my insurance plan to me (that I know) she wants to take my picture for the chart. WHAT? Ok... Then the camera wouldn't work. Great! Off she goes to get another camera, and guess what? It doesn't work either. Finally she plugs one in behind her computer, moves everything around and snaps my picture. Back to the waiting room we go.
We wait for another 15-20 minutes and in that time, the business office lady comes out to the waiting room and wants to take ANOTHER picture of me. At this point I'm looking around for "Candid Camera" (remember that show? :) AND... a lady is trying her little heart out to get to the bathroom before she loses her cookies. I felt so bad for her. She tried :( but she lost her cookies.
Finally the nurse comes to get us! After that, thankfully, everything went smooth. Dr. Shide came in and examined me. Yet another physician in the Fort Worth area that has seen/examined me. She had my pathology report in front of her and explained everything to us that we didn't know (which wasn't much). She explained what exactly radiation does and then tells me that she doesn't think I'm a candidate! WOOO HOOO
Some good news to last me for a little while. My next appointment is my next chemo treatment at the end of next week. Some rest for awhile? I think so!
Love to all!
Christy
On to today...
Today we had our consultation with the Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Shide. If anything could go wrong, you know it is going to happen to us! :)
We got there early (shocker I know!), checked in and the system was down so she was having a hard time processing our co-pay. I left Jamey up there to finish paying while I found the ladies room. I came back and he is STILL standing up there! Of course when I said "so today is free?" It processed right away...
After we finally found 2 seats together, we sat there waiting (story of our lives lately). Just as Jamey is complaining that "no one keeps appointments anymore blah blah blah" the business office lady calls me back to talk about my insurance. After explaining my insurance plan to me (that I know) she wants to take my picture for the chart. WHAT? Ok... Then the camera wouldn't work. Great! Off she goes to get another camera, and guess what? It doesn't work either. Finally she plugs one in behind her computer, moves everything around and snaps my picture. Back to the waiting room we go.
We wait for another 15-20 minutes and in that time, the business office lady comes out to the waiting room and wants to take ANOTHER picture of me. At this point I'm looking around for "Candid Camera" (remember that show? :) AND... a lady is trying her little heart out to get to the bathroom before she loses her cookies. I felt so bad for her. She tried :( but she lost her cookies.
Finally the nurse comes to get us! After that, thankfully, everything went smooth. Dr. Shide came in and examined me. Yet another physician in the Fort Worth area that has seen/examined me. She had my pathology report in front of her and explained everything to us that we didn't know (which wasn't much). She explained what exactly radiation does and then tells me that she doesn't think I'm a candidate! WOOO HOOO
Some good news to last me for a little while. My next appointment is my next chemo treatment at the end of next week. Some rest for awhile? I think so!
Love to all!
Christy
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Thursday September 9, 2010
Well lets start by saying I'm bald now...
Yesterday my hair was really falling out so I made the decision to go ahead and shave my head. My WONDERFUL hair dresser Kristen agreed to meet me after hours while no one was there so we could do it.
She started with cutting it short and Morgan helped with that. I think Morgan helping, helped her in the process. She was really freaked out about the whole idea of me not having hair. I'll be the first to admit that I grieved for my hair yesterday while making the decision to "take charge". But I wanted Morgan to be there to know that it is ok, that it doesn't hurt, and that it WILL grow back! When Morgan and I talked about it a couple of days ago, she didn't want to be there when I did it, and asked if I was going to wear my wig "at all times while at home."
Since being there with me, she says me not having anything on my head while at home doesn't bother her. Time will tell... She is my #1 concern at the moment...
On to today's events.
Jamey took me for my second round of chemo, otherwise known as the second bite off of the elephant :)
I had my blood drawn first, which I was told was "perfect". Then we met with the PA Susan and she answered all of our questions. Then off to the waiting room to wait for chemo. Over an hour later I was finally called back.
This round was quicker, and I didn't have any numbing spray put on my port before she accessed it. She did put tape on me and now I have tape blisters... OUCH! You would think I would remember how bad these hurt and not let them put anything on me. I'll definitely remember next time (or at least put myself a reminder!)
Tomorrow we go to the Granbury office for a Newlasta shot. Wednesday I have a consult appointment with a Radiation Oncologist (pray no radiation!). And Sunday is the Team PINKston benefit! I am so hoping and praying that I feel good all day! I can't wait to see everyone...
Love to all!
Christy
Yesterday my hair was really falling out so I made the decision to go ahead and shave my head. My WONDERFUL hair dresser Kristen agreed to meet me after hours while no one was there so we could do it.
She started with cutting it short and Morgan helped with that. I think Morgan helping, helped her in the process. She was really freaked out about the whole idea of me not having hair. I'll be the first to admit that I grieved for my hair yesterday while making the decision to "take charge". But I wanted Morgan to be there to know that it is ok, that it doesn't hurt, and that it WILL grow back! When Morgan and I talked about it a couple of days ago, she didn't want to be there when I did it, and asked if I was going to wear my wig "at all times while at home."
Since being there with me, she says me not having anything on my head while at home doesn't bother her. Time will tell... She is my #1 concern at the moment...
On to today's events.
Jamey took me for my second round of chemo, otherwise known as the second bite off of the elephant :)
I had my blood drawn first, which I was told was "perfect". Then we met with the PA Susan and she answered all of our questions. Then off to the waiting room to wait for chemo. Over an hour later I was finally called back.
This round was quicker, and I didn't have any numbing spray put on my port before she accessed it. She did put tape on me and now I have tape blisters... OUCH! You would think I would remember how bad these hurt and not let them put anything on me. I'll definitely remember next time (or at least put myself a reminder!)
Tomorrow we go to the Granbury office for a Newlasta shot. Wednesday I have a consult appointment with a Radiation Oncologist (pray no radiation!). And Sunday is the Team PINKston benefit! I am so hoping and praying that I feel good all day! I can't wait to see everyone...
Love to all!
Christy
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tuesday September 7, 2010
Hope everyone had a great Labor Day!
Today we had our 6 week surgical post op appointment with Dr. Bussey. She looked me over and did an examination and said everything looks good. On with our questions...
What does lymphatic space invasion mean? It means that cancer cells were detected within and around the lymphatic space of the tumor. She said this would normally mean that would call for concern that the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes, however, my lymph nodes were NEGATIVE. So, guess this means we did find the cancer in time! Thank you God!
I asked her about radiation. She said I have another 50 years of living and my number one priority is being healthy, so an appointment with a Radiation Oncologist won't hurt. Of course, she is right! She is going to fax my information to a Radiation Oncologist that she recommends that doesn't just radiate all her patients.
I got my mammogram films back. What am I going to do with pictures of breasts I don't have anymore? Any ideas? :-)
I go back to see Dr. Bussey after I'm done with chemo.
Next step is second round of chemo this Thursday. I have to say, I'm not looking forward to it, but I can't imagine anyone that actually does!
Oh! The Team PINKston benefit is this Sunday. I'm praying I feel good to be there the whole time and visit with everyone.
Love to all,
Christy
Today we had our 6 week surgical post op appointment with Dr. Bussey. She looked me over and did an examination and said everything looks good. On with our questions...
What does lymphatic space invasion mean? It means that cancer cells were detected within and around the lymphatic space of the tumor. She said this would normally mean that would call for concern that the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes, however, my lymph nodes were NEGATIVE. So, guess this means we did find the cancer in time! Thank you God!
I asked her about radiation. She said I have another 50 years of living and my number one priority is being healthy, so an appointment with a Radiation Oncologist won't hurt. Of course, she is right! She is going to fax my information to a Radiation Oncologist that she recommends that doesn't just radiate all her patients.
I got my mammogram films back. What am I going to do with pictures of breasts I don't have anymore? Any ideas? :-)
I go back to see Dr. Bussey after I'm done with chemo.
Next step is second round of chemo this Thursday. I have to say, I'm not looking forward to it, but I can't imagine anyone that actually does!
Oh! The Team PINKston benefit is this Sunday. I'm praying I feel good to be there the whole time and visit with everyone.
Love to all,
Christy
Friday, September 3, 2010
Friday September 3, 2010
Wow! First off, I can't believe it is already September! Time flies when you're having fun :-) (I speak fluent sarcasm I've been told).
Today we went to see the plastic surgeon, Dr. Strock. This appointment was for a "possible" fill. All in all he is very pleased with my progress. Says the girls are looking good and my arm movement is great! He did say he likes to wait until at least 6 weeks post-op to start filling (I'm at 5 weeks), and if I'm in any pain, he didn't want to start today. He assured me since I have a longer chemo schedule then he is accustomed to, we have plenty of time, so we didn't fill today. Which is a good thing because you should have seen the HUGE needles and syringes filled with saline laying on the table! Holy Mother of all things HUGE! Of course I took a picture and sent it to my sister and BFF :-) Jamey just sat there shaking his head, he is not shocked by anything I take a picture of anymore.
I need to keep using my arms, I have about 5% range of motion left to work out, and still NO housework. Boy am I loving Dr. Strock! He is a woman's man! haha
It is fine to sleep on my sides, since I have been trying and sometimes I am successful. He assured me I'm not going to mess anything up.
I can also make my fill appointments the same day as chemo! This is huge benefit right now because that means we don't have to drive to Fort Worth every week, one for a fill and the other for chemo. So we made my next appointment on a chemo day. We will go for a fill first and then go for chemo.
So off to the Oncologist's office to get my blood drawn to see what my white blood cell count is. That only took 5-10 minutes, we were shocked! Jamey didn't even get to finish his cup of coffee and I actually found a phlebotomist in this world that can stick me in ONE stick! I have to have Nancy from now on!
We were only in Fort Worth for 45 minutes total and headed back home to start and enjoy our holiday weekend. Seperately of course! Jamey is off hunting and I'm working/gonna visit my family this weekend.
So next up is my second round of chemo on Thursday. I'm a little anxious about this appointment because I remember how bad I felt last weekend :( I will call and get a prescription if I can't get over it though. Eventually we will go to Friday's for chemo but I wanted to make this appointment on Thursday because the Team PINKston benefit is Sunday September 13th and I want to feel the best I can for that!
Happy Labor Day and Happy Dove Hunting!
Love to all,
Christy
Today we went to see the plastic surgeon, Dr. Strock. This appointment was for a "possible" fill. All in all he is very pleased with my progress. Says the girls are looking good and my arm movement is great! He did say he likes to wait until at least 6 weeks post-op to start filling (I'm at 5 weeks), and if I'm in any pain, he didn't want to start today. He assured me since I have a longer chemo schedule then he is accustomed to, we have plenty of time, so we didn't fill today. Which is a good thing because you should have seen the HUGE needles and syringes filled with saline laying on the table! Holy Mother of all things HUGE! Of course I took a picture and sent it to my sister and BFF :-) Jamey just sat there shaking his head, he is not shocked by anything I take a picture of anymore.
I need to keep using my arms, I have about 5% range of motion left to work out, and still NO housework. Boy am I loving Dr. Strock! He is a woman's man! haha
It is fine to sleep on my sides, since I have been trying and sometimes I am successful. He assured me I'm not going to mess anything up.
I can also make my fill appointments the same day as chemo! This is huge benefit right now because that means we don't have to drive to Fort Worth every week, one for a fill and the other for chemo. So we made my next appointment on a chemo day. We will go for a fill first and then go for chemo.
So off to the Oncologist's office to get my blood drawn to see what my white blood cell count is. That only took 5-10 minutes, we were shocked! Jamey didn't even get to finish his cup of coffee and I actually found a phlebotomist in this world that can stick me in ONE stick! I have to have Nancy from now on!
We were only in Fort Worth for 45 minutes total and headed back home to start and enjoy our holiday weekend. Seperately of course! Jamey is off hunting and I'm working/gonna visit my family this weekend.
So next up is my second round of chemo on Thursday. I'm a little anxious about this appointment because I remember how bad I felt last weekend :( I will call and get a prescription if I can't get over it though. Eventually we will go to Friday's for chemo but I wanted to make this appointment on Thursday because the Team PINKston benefit is Sunday September 13th and I want to feel the best I can for that!
Happy Labor Day and Happy Dove Hunting!
Love to all,
Christy
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