Wednesday, November 29, 2017
SEVEN!
7 down! ONE more to go!! 💃💃💃💃💃
Mom had the first ultrasound that she's had since before she started chemotherapy. They don't see any reason to be concerned that it's reached the lymph nodes, so that's great news! 🎉 They also located the known tumor and measured it. The chemo appears to have shrunk it in half! 🙌 Dr. Alvarez is hoping that the last 2 treatments will shrink it further. He said best case scenario is obviously that there's nothing left after the last treatment, and they just scoop out where the tumor once was. Then still do the planned radiation for 6 weeks.
Her levels and blood counts looked much better than last time (we assume it's thanks to the neulasta shot that was distributed in the little patch that she wore home). She has it again so that's staying the same. The only level that they said wasn't great was her iron, but it wasn't enough to warrant a blood transfusion. So, basically all good news! She received chemo this morning and we are heading back to Wilmington on a 7pm flight.
Her nausea is still the biggest concern. The body aches and pains aren't nearly as bad, and neither is the neuropathy. She has less energy though, and the nausea is on and off basically all the time. She is able to take nausea medications, which will cause it to subside long enough to be able to get something to eat, but it always comes back. We missed her at Thanksgiving, but she was still able to go with Grandmama to Aunt Claudia's house and be with some of the family since she wasn't able to come to Raleigh. She liked having the option to be able to just drive 5 minutes home in case she didn't feel good. We offered to come to her house and have the dinner there, but I know that would've been a house full with nowhere to really retreat to if she didn't feel well. Plus, my kids are like bloodhounds when it comes to AnnaAnna and would have a hard time understanding why they couldn't crawl all over her like they normally do. 👦👧
All in all, it has been a pretty smooth trip. No surprises, no problems. She didn't feel well yesterday, but she rebounded today. Hopefully once we get home, the chemo doesn't make her feel too awful. She is certainly dreading when it "hits". Until next time... (and thanks for reading, and for all the thoughts and prayers!) 🙏💞
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Almost SIX
🎤 "SIX foot, seven foot, eight foot BUNCH!"
(Yes, those are the words - I had to google them, because I definitely thought it was "punch" and not "bunch"... but then I started thinking... what in the world is this song about anyway? Kind of interesting. By the way, I love Beetlejuice.)
Anywho.
So, we are working on mom's chemo treatment #6, but we are at a stalling point. They draw blood every time before her oncologist appointment, which also precedes the chemo appointment and that's when they go over her labs with regard to blood cell count, different levels, etc. Well, today they were not so good, so they will not let mom have chemo therapy today. The main concern was the ANC.
The absolute neutrophil count is commonly called the ANC. Like I said, it was low, which means her immune system is weak. They gave her a shot of Neupogen, which will stimulate healthy neutrophil growth and hopefully raise her ANC level to the appropriate mark (to where it is safe to administer chemo tomorrow). If it doesn't work, they will try another shot, wait another 24 hours, do more blood labs, rinse and repeat until they get it right.
That's where we are for now. The new drugs that she started last treatment have been very different for her in terms of side effects. Basically ongoing nausea for the first 10ish days post-treatment (fortunately it never reached vomiting status, but I think she felt pretty awful a couple times), followed by intermittent nausea on and off with help of anti-nausea meds, very limited appetite, watery eyes, mild neuropathy in her fingers and toes, and random achy teeth. When I would check in on her, she said she would feel ok until she tries to eat something and then she almost immediately feels queasy. She said she is really careful about what she eats as well because if she eats anything remotely sweet, it makes her feel worse (although it doesn't keep her from craving a krispy kreme doughnut! 🍩🍩🍩)
We are actually kind of relieved that she will be able to get chemo and leave on the same day. Mainly due to last time when we woke up the next morning after chemo, she didn't even want to get out of bed due a terrible combination of a headache and nausea. We will cross our fingers and hope her levels get to a safe level to receive chemo and we can get #6 behind us. We are already looking ahead to surgery in January (likely the week of Jan 15), and we have an ultrasound scheduled for the next visit to see what is left of the tumor. There is already some debate about whether the tumor is metaplastic or not, due to how [seemingly] well the tumor has reacted to the chemo. Originally we thought that since it was diagnosed as metaplastic, that the chemo would have a very limited effect on the tumor. However, since it seems like ever since the 1st treatment, we've been unable to find it via physical examination, maybe it wasn't metaplastic after all (per the surgical oncologist). The surgery procedure will tell us a lot so we are anxiously awaiting more information at that time.
Until then, we are chugging along (at a snail's pace today, but nonetheless at a pace). 🐌🐌🐌
(Yes, those are the words - I had to google them, because I definitely thought it was "punch" and not "bunch"... but then I started thinking... what in the world is this song about anyway? Kind of interesting. By the way, I love Beetlejuice.)
Anywho.
So, we are working on mom's chemo treatment #6, but we are at a stalling point. They draw blood every time before her oncologist appointment, which also precedes the chemo appointment and that's when they go over her labs with regard to blood cell count, different levels, etc. Well, today they were not so good, so they will not let mom have chemo therapy today. The main concern was the ANC.
The absolute neutrophil count is commonly called the ANC. Like I said, it was low, which means her immune system is weak. They gave her a shot of Neupogen, which will stimulate healthy neutrophil growth and hopefully raise her ANC level to the appropriate mark (to where it is safe to administer chemo tomorrow). If it doesn't work, they will try another shot, wait another 24 hours, do more blood labs, rinse and repeat until they get it right.
That's where we are for now. The new drugs that she started last treatment have been very different for her in terms of side effects. Basically ongoing nausea for the first 10ish days post-treatment (fortunately it never reached vomiting status, but I think she felt pretty awful a couple times), followed by intermittent nausea on and off with help of anti-nausea meds, very limited appetite, watery eyes, mild neuropathy in her fingers and toes, and random achy teeth. When I would check in on her, she said she would feel ok until she tries to eat something and then she almost immediately feels queasy. She said she is really careful about what she eats as well because if she eats anything remotely sweet, it makes her feel worse (although it doesn't keep her from craving a krispy kreme doughnut! 🍩🍩🍩)
We are actually kind of relieved that she will be able to get chemo and leave on the same day. Mainly due to last time when we woke up the next morning after chemo, she didn't even want to get out of bed due a terrible combination of a headache and nausea. We will cross our fingers and hope her levels get to a safe level to receive chemo and we can get #6 behind us. We are already looking ahead to surgery in January (likely the week of Jan 15), and we have an ultrasound scheduled for the next visit to see what is left of the tumor. There is already some debate about whether the tumor is metaplastic or not, due to how [seemingly] well the tumor has reacted to the chemo. Originally we thought that since it was diagnosed as metaplastic, that the chemo would have a very limited effect on the tumor. However, since it seems like ever since the 1st treatment, we've been unable to find it via physical examination, maybe it wasn't metaplastic after all (per the surgical oncologist). The surgery procedure will tell us a lot so we are anxiously awaiting more information at that time.
Until then, we are chugging along (at a snail's pace today, but nonetheless at a pace). 🐌🐌🐌
Monday, October 16, 2017
FIVE!
🎤 "5-1-5-0 somebody call the po-po.. "🚔
I'm really struggling with this song theme, but I'm going to make it all the way to treatment 8. You have my word!
Anywho, treatment #5 y'all! We are happy to report that it was a MUCH shorter infusion time with the 3 new drugs she's getting. We went back to the chemo room at around 1:30 and finished up around 4:30. There's a pharmacy here at the center and we had to get mom's prescription for nausea since that is supposed to be a major side effect with these meds. We are staying at the hotel that's attached to the hospital/center here so we didn't have far to go to get to our room. It was a pretty uneventful day overall. The oncologist briefed us on what these next treatments will likely bring (mostly the same side effects, plus nausea *maybe*). We are holding tight to that optimism because I think mom would rather have just about any side effect over nausea/vomiting). He also went over her levels and her liver function is looking better (her levels were a little off the last couple treatments, but nothing major) and her potassium is still a smidgen low (even though she took supplements the last treatment, along with a bag of potassium with her chemo last time). So the next 3 weeks, they want her to take more potassium and see if that gets her a little higher.
But honestly, it was a really boring appointment (in the best way possible), so everything is still looking good and she still seems to be responding well to treatment! Fingers crossed we stay on this track and we can make it home on the plane with zero need for barf bags!! 🙅🙅
Edit to add: We woke up this morning and mom isn't feeling great. She woke up around 4am to take a nausea pill because her stomach felt heavy. She also has a terrible headache, and last night she was complaining of what might be the beginning of sinus issues as she was congested when she went to bed. We will see how the next few days pan out... 🤞
I'm really struggling with this song theme, but I'm going to make it all the way to treatment 8. You have my word!
Anywho, treatment #5 y'all! We are happy to report that it was a MUCH shorter infusion time with the 3 new drugs she's getting. We went back to the chemo room at around 1:30 and finished up around 4:30. There's a pharmacy here at the center and we had to get mom's prescription for nausea since that is supposed to be a major side effect with these meds. We are staying at the hotel that's attached to the hospital/center here so we didn't have far to go to get to our room. It was a pretty uneventful day overall. The oncologist briefed us on what these next treatments will likely bring (mostly the same side effects, plus nausea *maybe*). We are holding tight to that optimism because I think mom would rather have just about any side effect over nausea/vomiting). He also went over her levels and her liver function is looking better (her levels were a little off the last couple treatments, but nothing major) and her potassium is still a smidgen low (even though she took supplements the last treatment, along with a bag of potassium with her chemo last time). So the next 3 weeks, they want her to take more potassium and see if that gets her a little higher.
But honestly, it was a really boring appointment (in the best way possible), so everything is still looking good and she still seems to be responding well to treatment! Fingers crossed we stay on this track and we can make it home on the plane with zero need for barf bags!! 🙅🙅
Edit to add: We woke up this morning and mom isn't feeling great. She woke up around 4am to take a nausea pill because her stomach felt heavy. She also has a terrible headache, and last night she was complaining of what might be the beginning of sinus issues as she was congested when she went to bed. We will see how the next few days pan out... 🤞
#MeToo
I've been stewing on the latest news story, as it pertains to women, for a week or so now. Another HUGE headline that results in women coming forward, as a celebrity is finally called out for taking advantage of women. And these aren't just co-workers overstepping their boundaries, but these are people who are taking advantage of women because of their own status in the company or employment place and/or because of their status in society. Rose McGowan has been screaming about Harvey Weinstein for years, (literally years) and it's just now gaining steam because there's been a domino effect of women coming forward (in droves, no less). But of course, now you have people claiming that they're just after their 15 minutes of fame. And when that narrative doesn't fit, it's the "Oh, she's been irrelevant for a while, so she's just trying to drum up some publicity now." Or, as sickening as it sounds and is, there's the "Well, she was probably asking for it because she wore something provocative."
I'm sorry, what?!
This. This is why it takes women years to come forward and tell someone their story. Or they may never come forward at all. I can tell you why, and I can do that because I've experienced it. I know that I can rely on my friends and family to believe the story that I'm about to tell you because they are my friends and family. But if I were to have taken my story to a local news station because, you guessed it, absolutely nothing happened to the man, I would've been persecuted for seeking attention or fame or something absurd (and frankly, undeserving). So, I told the most "high up" person I could tell within the company. Unfortunately (for me), that happened to be his father.
I will start by telling you that my story in no way compares to the stories that I'm hearing in the news. I was never physically assaulted and no one forced themselves on me (praise Jesus because then I think he would've been in the news for sure). But I knew then that it was inappropriate, but it wasn't until I became a mother that it had a different emotional effect on me. I'm not even sure I ever told my parents about it (sorry, mom and dad), but I know that if I EVER hear that my kids were receiving any sort of sexual harassment, I would be livid.
The whole gist of my story is that I was working at this establishment during my senior year in college. I was an assistant to the VP of Operations and after a few months, also headed up the small purchasing department because it was offered to me and I felt it pertained directly to my degree. I was only in the office part time but I was given a laptop and had to oversee and purchase everything that was needing to be purchased remotely as well as correspond with all vendors, as I finished my degree. It wasn't a hard job, but it created a lot of busy work on top of the 15 or so credit hours I was responsible for as well.
My boss (we will call him Jr) was not much older than me. Maybe 5-10 years, so maybe he was under the impression that we were pals and could share in the banter that he deemed appropriate. I was under a good bit of pressure, trying to finish college while also trying to balance the part time job that took up a good chunk any free time I had in between classes. So there were times he'd call me into his office for whatever reason, and if I didn't laugh or laugh enough at his jokes, he would just say, "You need to get laid." I remember the first time he said it (yes, there were multiple times) and I was just puzzled because what do you say to that? Did he expect me to agree? What was the point of him saying that to me, other than to just assume that I wasn't laughing at his jokes because I wasn't sexually satisfied. Eventually, it was just overlooked and I would roll my eyes.
I had a spring break trip and I remember meeting with him before I left to make sure everything was taken care of before I left, and he reminded me again to get drunk and get laid. In what world is this ok for a boss to talk to his employee? There were many instances of these types of dialogue and rest assured, I did NOT participate. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a pretty reserved person when it comes to crude talk. And furthermore, I won't even say the word "fart" to my husband so yeah... I'm not the type to egg on this type of behavior. And when I wouldn't jab back, Jr would call me a prude. I finally had enough after I had graduated and decided to just cut my losses and look for another job, but I knew I needed to leave, even if I didn't have another job in the wings yet. My brother helped me to write up a resignation letter and in that I described a hostile working environment and sent it to Jr's father (we'll call him "Sr", who was the president of the company). He called me almost immediately and asked me to describe what I meant when it came to "hostile working environment." I gave him some examples like I described above, along with the constant yelling and chastising of other employees with Jr's unreasonable expectations. Of course, I realize that's my opinion but I remember watching people walk out of his office (they would have to walk through my office to leave), and my co-workers would just look so defeated as they left.
After I left, I asked if I could have my remaining vacation days paid out and Sr agreed. Of course, all of that changed after I actually left and I didn't think it was necessary to have things documented until that point. Lesson learned there, but fortunately for me I haven't been treated this way by a boss-figure since. It taught me to really examine potential future bosses/supervisors and decide if I felt like they were aware of what personal boundaries meant.
Something else that stuck with me more-so because it dealt with other colleagues' perception of me (which I really valued, having just graduated from college and essentially being brand-new to the work force, in a time where there weren't a lot of job openings circa 2006), was a rumor that Jr apparently started when we would travel to trade shows. A colleague of mine told me that after I left, he heard from other vendors that when Jr would meet with them at trade shows (apart from me), and would tell them that he and I were sleeping together (!!!). By the way, I feel like I have to proclaim that it is 100% FAKE NEWS. Seriously though, I'm pretty sure I avoided hugs, and maybe even hand shakes too. But hearing that was my major "Holy $H!+" moment. These are people that I worked with on a daily basis and would meet with them at trade shows to discuss product partnerships, etc and they were likely thinking that I was trying to sleep my way to the top. I was horrified, but I didn't know how to fix it or how to address it. So I didn't. If I had it to do over again, I still don't know what I would do, or if I could've done anything to really change it anyway. I found another job with a great company shortly after and it was a breath of fresh air. I did take a pay cut unfortunately, but if I have to give up money to not have to work in that kind of environment, I guess that's what it takes. But honestly, karma is real and the company tanked not that long after AND Sr went to prison (and may still be there) for fraud and heading up a Ponzi scheme. I don't know how Jr didn't get mixed up in it, but I'm sure he paid in other ways.
I just hope that my kids are raised in a world where people are held more accountable for their actions. Yes, there are going to always be evil people out there doing bad things. But when people (not just women) come forward to tell you what's happening, LISTEN. Then not only listen, but how about maybe do something about it? And I don't mean put them on some sort of administrative leave, or moving them around in the company where they interact with a new population of people. I mean... HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE. The first time. Because when there is evidence of one victim, there is no need for there to be evidence of two. Ever.
I'm sorry, what?!
This. This is why it takes women years to come forward and tell someone their story. Or they may never come forward at all. I can tell you why, and I can do that because I've experienced it. I know that I can rely on my friends and family to believe the story that I'm about to tell you because they are my friends and family. But if I were to have taken my story to a local news station because, you guessed it, absolutely nothing happened to the man, I would've been persecuted for seeking attention or fame or something absurd (and frankly, undeserving). So, I told the most "high up" person I could tell within the company. Unfortunately (for me), that happened to be his father.
I will start by telling you that my story in no way compares to the stories that I'm hearing in the news. I was never physically assaulted and no one forced themselves on me (praise Jesus because then I think he would've been in the news for sure). But I knew then that it was inappropriate, but it wasn't until I became a mother that it had a different emotional effect on me. I'm not even sure I ever told my parents about it (sorry, mom and dad), but I know that if I EVER hear that my kids were receiving any sort of sexual harassment, I would be livid.
The whole gist of my story is that I was working at this establishment during my senior year in college. I was an assistant to the VP of Operations and after a few months, also headed up the small purchasing department because it was offered to me and I felt it pertained directly to my degree. I was only in the office part time but I was given a laptop and had to oversee and purchase everything that was needing to be purchased remotely as well as correspond with all vendors, as I finished my degree. It wasn't a hard job, but it created a lot of busy work on top of the 15 or so credit hours I was responsible for as well.
My boss (we will call him Jr) was not much older than me. Maybe 5-10 years, so maybe he was under the impression that we were pals and could share in the banter that he deemed appropriate. I was under a good bit of pressure, trying to finish college while also trying to balance the part time job that took up a good chunk any free time I had in between classes. So there were times he'd call me into his office for whatever reason, and if I didn't laugh or laugh enough at his jokes, he would just say, "You need to get laid." I remember the first time he said it (yes, there were multiple times) and I was just puzzled because what do you say to that? Did he expect me to agree? What was the point of him saying that to me, other than to just assume that I wasn't laughing at his jokes because I wasn't sexually satisfied. Eventually, it was just overlooked and I would roll my eyes.
I had a spring break trip and I remember meeting with him before I left to make sure everything was taken care of before I left, and he reminded me again to get drunk and get laid. In what world is this ok for a boss to talk to his employee? There were many instances of these types of dialogue and rest assured, I did NOT participate. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a pretty reserved person when it comes to crude talk. And furthermore, I won't even say the word "fart" to my husband so yeah... I'm not the type to egg on this type of behavior. And when I wouldn't jab back, Jr would call me a prude. I finally had enough after I had graduated and decided to just cut my losses and look for another job, but I knew I needed to leave, even if I didn't have another job in the wings yet. My brother helped me to write up a resignation letter and in that I described a hostile working environment and sent it to Jr's father (we'll call him "Sr", who was the president of the company). He called me almost immediately and asked me to describe what I meant when it came to "hostile working environment." I gave him some examples like I described above, along with the constant yelling and chastising of other employees with Jr's unreasonable expectations. Of course, I realize that's my opinion but I remember watching people walk out of his office (they would have to walk through my office to leave), and my co-workers would just look so defeated as they left.
After I left, I asked if I could have my remaining vacation days paid out and Sr agreed. Of course, all of that changed after I actually left and I didn't think it was necessary to have things documented until that point. Lesson learned there, but fortunately for me I haven't been treated this way by a boss-figure since. It taught me to really examine potential future bosses/supervisors and decide if I felt like they were aware of what personal boundaries meant.
Something else that stuck with me more-so because it dealt with other colleagues' perception of me (which I really valued, having just graduated from college and essentially being brand-new to the work force, in a time where there weren't a lot of job openings circa 2006), was a rumor that Jr apparently started when we would travel to trade shows. A colleague of mine told me that after I left, he heard from other vendors that when Jr would meet with them at trade shows (apart from me), and would tell them that he and I were sleeping together (!!!). By the way, I feel like I have to proclaim that it is 100% FAKE NEWS. Seriously though, I'm pretty sure I avoided hugs, and maybe even hand shakes too. But hearing that was my major "Holy $H!+" moment. These are people that I worked with on a daily basis and would meet with them at trade shows to discuss product partnerships, etc and they were likely thinking that I was trying to sleep my way to the top. I was horrified, but I didn't know how to fix it or how to address it. So I didn't. If I had it to do over again, I still don't know what I would do, or if I could've done anything to really change it anyway. I found another job with a great company shortly after and it was a breath of fresh air. I did take a pay cut unfortunately, but if I have to give up money to not have to work in that kind of environment, I guess that's what it takes. But honestly, karma is real and the company tanked not that long after AND Sr went to prison (and may still be there) for fraud and heading up a Ponzi scheme. I don't know how Jr didn't get mixed up in it, but I'm sure he paid in other ways.
I just hope that my kids are raised in a world where people are held more accountable for their actions. Yes, there are going to always be evil people out there doing bad things. But when people (not just women) come forward to tell you what's happening, LISTEN. Then not only listen, but how about maybe do something about it? And I don't mean put them on some sort of administrative leave, or moving them around in the company where they interact with a new population of people. I mean... HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE. The first time. Because when there is evidence of one victim, there is no need for there to be evidence of two. Ever.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
FOUR
🎤There's only one thing, two do, three words FOUR youuuuuu... I love you.
- Plain White T's
#idontthinkicankeepupthisthememuchlonger
We are halfway through chemotherapy treatment! FOUR treatments done! I know you are probably thankful you don't have to read these cheesy song references much longer. 😉 Mom is currently sleeping, or trying to sleep. While the rooms are private, the hallways tend to be loud and the rooms don't have doors (only curtains), so getting a solid nap is pretty difficult. Benadryl helps a little - she's definitely drowsy enough to sleep, but like I said.. constant noise, and doors closing (slamming), people talking, etc. That's probably my ONLY complaint about this facility. Because clearly, it's all about me. 💁
So, mom had her big Vegas trip since her last treatment and she had a great time. Honestly, she said she felt pretty terrible the first 2-3 days that she was there, but after that, she said it was like flipping a switch and side effects were mostly minimal. She also said that with each treatment, it progressively gets worse. She knows what to expect now, but the "sick" feeling is more pronounced each time. Since this is her last treatment with these 2 drugs, we're hoping that the side effects with the next 2 maybe won't be as bad. The Dr can't really say though because everyone reacts differently, but he anticipates much of the same. One good thing is that instead of the 7-8 hour infusion we've been having, the next 4 treatments should take half that much time to infuse, if that. So that's good news! It makes for a really long day here at the Treatment Center.
But, back to her Vegas trip - she didn't hit any big jackpots, but she had a great time with the cousins. It's her favorite vacation spot (besides laying on the beach, somewhere tropical), so even though she was feeling badly the first few days, I knew there weren't many places she'd rather be! I was relieved that she felt confident enough to have some time away that didn't involve her treatments.
Debbie sent me this picture of Mama that I love. I have no doubt that there were people swarming around inside the Bellagio, but this picture looks so tranquil, like she's the only person there.. and she looks so happy. 💞
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
It's Easy As 1, 2, 3...
🎤 Simple as do, re, mi... A, B, C.. 1, 2, 3.. baby you and me, girrrl.. #newopeningnumber
Chemo treatment #3 is under way and she's her normal happy-go-lucky self. Maybe a little more loopy than "normal," since that benadryl is now kicking in. 👍🍷
Her last treatment went as expected - no huge happenings. The side effects snuck up on her a little faster than the previous treatment and she experienced nausea 24 hours after her treatment ended. She was able to fight it off with a zofran and didn't need to take anything for nausea anymore after that.
She still experienced the same side effects from last time too - body/muscle/joint pain (often rather intense and lasted for a while), numbness (neuropathy) in fingers and hands (lasting longer than last time), and gastro-intestinal issues (but not as bad as last time). So, I'd say that she managed it all much better than the first treatment, so that's progress! 💪 After this treatment, she has 1 more with these 2 chemo drugs, and then she gets 2 new chemo drugs for 4 more cycles (every 3 weeks), with her last treatment being on December 20th (Merry Christmas to us! 🎄🎅).
We met with the radiation oncologist today (we've had appointments allll morning, only to have chemo alllll afternoon and not finishing up until 9pm or so tonight) and discussed different survival rates associated with mom's particular type of breast cancer, based on lumpectomy + radiation vs mastectomy. In summary, we are more than likely looking at the "generous" lumpectomy approximately 2-3 weeks after her last chemo treatment. Then radiation 2-3 weeks following her surgery. The radiation would be 5 days/week for approximately 5-6 weeks.
Mom will have some decisions to make as we get closer to the radiation portion. She would need to be here in GA for almost all of those 5-6 weeks and that can be tricky considering how mom helps take Grandmama and Grandaddy to all of their various appointments. Also, we feel better when we can have someone staying with Grandmama these days just because you never know (shoutout to mom's cousin, Angie who has been keeping Grandmama company while we travel to ATL! 🙌 ). Grandmama's health is okay, but if she were to fall or something completely random were to happen, she would be in a bind if mom is gone for days at a time. It's just a lot to consider, but we like the idea of mom getting her radiation here, simply because we feel they offer the best care.
So, that's where we are for now. We hope that the rest of the journey goes as smooth as it has gone so far. Mom gets to go to Vegas next week with her cousins, and is SO excited to be able to travel for fun, instead of chemo! Send up some prayers and let the positive vibes flow that the side effects remain mild with no complications, so that she can get some relaxing time away from the current reality!
Chemo treatment #3 is under way and she's her normal happy-go-lucky self. Maybe a little more loopy than "normal," since that benadryl is now kicking in. 👍🍷
Her last treatment went as expected - no huge happenings. The side effects snuck up on her a little faster than the previous treatment and she experienced nausea 24 hours after her treatment ended. She was able to fight it off with a zofran and didn't need to take anything for nausea anymore after that.
She still experienced the same side effects from last time too - body/muscle/joint pain (often rather intense and lasted for a while), numbness (neuropathy) in fingers and hands (lasting longer than last time), and gastro-intestinal issues (but not as bad as last time). So, I'd say that she managed it all much better than the first treatment, so that's progress! 💪 After this treatment, she has 1 more with these 2 chemo drugs, and then she gets 2 new chemo drugs for 4 more cycles (every 3 weeks), with her last treatment being on December 20th (Merry Christmas to us! 🎄🎅).
We met with the radiation oncologist today (we've had appointments allll morning, only to have chemo alllll afternoon and not finishing up until 9pm or so tonight) and discussed different survival rates associated with mom's particular type of breast cancer, based on lumpectomy + radiation vs mastectomy. In summary, we are more than likely looking at the "generous" lumpectomy approximately 2-3 weeks after her last chemo treatment. Then radiation 2-3 weeks following her surgery. The radiation would be 5 days/week for approximately 5-6 weeks.
Mom will have some decisions to make as we get closer to the radiation portion. She would need to be here in GA for almost all of those 5-6 weeks and that can be tricky considering how mom helps take Grandmama and Grandaddy to all of their various appointments. Also, we feel better when we can have someone staying with Grandmama these days just because you never know (shoutout to mom's cousin, Angie who has been keeping Grandmama company while we travel to ATL! 🙌 ). Grandmama's health is okay, but if she were to fall or something completely random were to happen, she would be in a bind if mom is gone for days at a time. It's just a lot to consider, but we like the idea of mom getting her radiation here, simply because we feel they offer the best care.
So, that's where we are for now. We hope that the rest of the journey goes as smooth as it has gone so far. Mom gets to go to Vegas next week with her cousins, and is SO excited to be able to travel for fun, instead of chemo! Send up some prayers and let the positive vibes flow that the side effects remain mild with no complications, so that she can get some relaxing time away from the current reality!
#ispywithmylittleeye 👳😉
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
2 down, 6 to go!
🎤Guess who's back.. back again.. mama's back.. tell a friend (#sorrynotsorry if you don't get the rap reference 💅).
We're back at the treatment center outside of ATL (Newnan), getting chemo treatment #2. Mom's first treatment went well, but the side effects were a little jarring. Mom was mainly worried about nausea and vomiting, but she experienced none of that! Yay! 🎉 But on day 3, the joint/muscle pain and body aches made her miserable. She said she hurt from her scalp all the way to her toes, and that it felt like body aches from the flu x 10.. and that it hurt to even just touch her skin. I spoke to her by phone one day when she was just starting to feel a little better with regard to the aches and she said she hurt so bad that she just wanted to "waller" all over("waller" is a mama term, for sure 😂). That lasted for a couple days and the doctor called and prescribed some meds for "wanting to waller" and it quickly got better. 👍😜
The only other true side effect (and to mom, it was the worst) was the gastro-intestinal issue that took 2 weeks to resolve (I'll spare you the emoji). But once she got that worked out, she says she felt pretty good. We are going to take some precautions this time around to where we can either keep that from being a problem or it not be as bad. And by "we," I mean Mama obviously. Not much I can do in that department! 😬
Her hair began falling out in clumps last week (as we expected), so it wasn't a shock. We spent a few days at the beach over the weekend and we decided to go ahead and shave it in front of the kids so that they weren't shocked when mom suddenly had no hair. I feel like them seeing me shave her head really helped the process. Millie held the trashcan as I shaved off huge clumps and put them in. She said "Thank you" every time I put more in it and seemed totally unphased by it. Chase was his normal busy-body self and didn't really pay much attention, but he sure gave mom a good once-over when I was finished.
Fortunately though, he didn't hesitate to go to his AnnaAnna when it was all said and done. 😍 It was a relief because Chase wanted nothing to do with me last week, and all I did was come home with bangs! 😳 #notfeelingthelove
We had a check-up with the oncologist today. He performed a physical exam and we are happy to report that he was NOT able to locate the lump anymore just by feeling around! Great news! 🙌🙌🙌🙌 No ultrasound was performed but the doctor was obviously pleased with that assessment alone! #fightinglikeamother 💁
Overall, mom is and has been in great spirits, and has mostly remained her normal, jovial self through it all so far! 👯 I could tell when she didn't feel well though as I called to check in daily. 😔 I hate being so far away, but I'm so grateful for friends like Brookes, who took her and Grandmama enough food for an army during the worst of it. Jessica and her mom also stopped by one day to visit, and brought them some Krispy Kreme doughnuts and some flowers. Mom's sister-cousin, Debbie, came and checked on her and brought her favorite Bojangles' meal, and they've had several visitors popping in and out periodically. It's been really refreshing, and that's not even counting the people that have so generously offered to bring meals or do whatever they can to help. We're just trying to space it all out, since we have 6 more months of somewhat uncertainty. I don't want to use up all of our help in one treatment! So, again - thank you all for all of the support through cards, messages, meals, visits, and offering to help watch the kids while I come with Mom. I can't imagine her coming here by herself, even though she has assured me she could do it(and I'm sure she could). But I don't see a reason to have her do that, if I can get it worked out to be here with her. So thanks to everyone that helps so that I don't have to imagine her doing it alone!! 💗💗💗
We're back at the treatment center outside of ATL (Newnan), getting chemo treatment #2. Mom's first treatment went well, but the side effects were a little jarring. Mom was mainly worried about nausea and vomiting, but she experienced none of that! Yay! 🎉 But on day 3, the joint/muscle pain and body aches made her miserable. She said she hurt from her scalp all the way to her toes, and that it felt like body aches from the flu x 10.. and that it hurt to even just touch her skin. I spoke to her by phone one day when she was just starting to feel a little better with regard to the aches and she said she hurt so bad that she just wanted to "waller" all over("waller" is a mama term, for sure 😂). That lasted for a couple days and the doctor called and prescribed some meds for "wanting to waller" and it quickly got better. 👍😜
The only other true side effect (and to mom, it was the worst) was the gastro-intestinal issue that took 2 weeks to resolve (I'll spare you the emoji). But once she got that worked out, she says she felt pretty good. We are going to take some precautions this time around to where we can either keep that from being a problem or it not be as bad. And by "we," I mean Mama obviously. Not much I can do in that department! 😬
Her hair began falling out in clumps last week (as we expected), so it wasn't a shock. We spent a few days at the beach over the weekend and we decided to go ahead and shave it in front of the kids so that they weren't shocked when mom suddenly had no hair. I feel like them seeing me shave her head really helped the process. Millie held the trashcan as I shaved off huge clumps and put them in. She said "Thank you" every time I put more in it and seemed totally unphased by it. Chase was his normal busy-body self and didn't really pay much attention, but he sure gave mom a good once-over when I was finished.
*disclaimer: this is not actual footage of Chase*
Fortunately though, he didn't hesitate to go to his AnnaAnna when it was all said and done. 😍 It was a relief because Chase wanted nothing to do with me last week, and all I did was come home with bangs! 😳 #notfeelingthelove
We had a check-up with the oncologist today. He performed a physical exam and we are happy to report that he was NOT able to locate the lump anymore just by feeling around! Great news! 🙌🙌🙌🙌 No ultrasound was performed but the doctor was obviously pleased with that assessment alone! #fightinglikeamother 💁
Overall, mom is and has been in great spirits, and has mostly remained her normal, jovial self through it all so far! 👯 I could tell when she didn't feel well though as I called to check in daily. 😔 I hate being so far away, but I'm so grateful for friends like Brookes, who took her and Grandmama enough food for an army during the worst of it. Jessica and her mom also stopped by one day to visit, and brought them some Krispy Kreme doughnuts and some flowers. Mom's sister-cousin, Debbie, came and checked on her and brought her favorite Bojangles' meal, and they've had several visitors popping in and out periodically. It's been really refreshing, and that's not even counting the people that have so generously offered to bring meals or do whatever they can to help. We're just trying to space it all out, since we have 6 more months of somewhat uncertainty. I don't want to use up all of our help in one treatment! So, again - thank you all for all of the support through cards, messages, meals, visits, and offering to help watch the kids while I come with Mom. I can't imagine her coming here by herself, even though she has assured me she could do it(and I'm sure she could). But I don't see a reason to have her do that, if I can get it worked out to be here with her. So thanks to everyone that helps so that I don't have to imagine her doing it alone!! 💗💗💗
#stronglikemom💪
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