Well, Monday morning came, and I went and got my markings. It didn't take as long as I thought it would. There's a lot of preparation that goes into this radiation stuff though. They stretch you out on a table, and you have to reach over your head and take hold of these handle bars. (Kinda looks like the handlebars to Rachel's scooter.) Then they draw all kinds of markings on you why you lie there feeling exposed and vulnerable. Oh, and then they tell you not to move a hair. All kidding aside, I couldn't help but be reminded of the way my granddaddy used to hang a deer up by a noose as he was getting ready to skin it. That's exactly how I felt..........
But it didn't take long, and I was quickly on my way. I was a little stiff from lying there and not being able to move, but overall, it wasn't too bad. I left with them telling me not to go swimming or get sweaty. It was 85 degrees that day, and they didn't want me to sweat. One of my markings was gone before I even got to bed that night.
I'm not sure when I will be going back. They have a lot of work to do to get everything ready, so they said they would call me. They know that I am off on Friday.....
While I was at work today, Peak Performance, the therapist's office that Dr. Ballenger referred me to, called and made me an appointment for Friday at 11:45.
So the appointments are adding up:
Friday 0845 Herceptin, get scans ordered
1145 Peak Performance
Hopefully, the closer it gets to Friday, the radiologist's office will have called. I'm hoping to see them Friday afternoon while I'm still in Greenville.
Okay, I need to get home. Been up since 0530 and have to do it again tomorrow. That's not very easy when you're still recovering from chemo. Good news though: if you look real close........
really, really close........you can see that my hair's starting to "sprout"!
Later,
Cindy
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Met with radiologist, Dr. Ballenger
It is Saturday, August 28th. I met with my radiologist, Dr. Ballenger, yesterday. We covered a lot of information, so I wanted to go ahead and post an entry now before I get behind. I have several upcoming appointments in the next few weeks, and I'm going to try harder to post my updates regularly so that I won't forget anything or get overwhelmed.
Dr. Ballenger examined me pretty thoroughly yesterday. She thinks it's okay to go ahead and get the ball rolling as far as the radiation. She gave me a prescription for a cream that I will be using three times a day during the treatments, as well as a special deodorant. She didn't pull any punches as far as trying to prepare me for what to expect. She said that she would be getting me "good and red" because if she doesn't, she's not doing me "any favors". Of course, every patient is different, but she said that it would be like having a really bad sunburn for a really long time. She said that it may blister, and, at times, even "weep and ooze". Because breast cancer has a tendency to return to it's original site, they will be radiating my chest, as well as the area of my clavicle (collarbone), and also my underarm. This may result in some hoarseness due to being so close to my throat; and it may also result in some scarring of the upper lobe of my left lung.
I have an appointment Monday at 0900 to receive my markings. Evidently, it's a very involved thing to get a plan of care going and check and recheck everything before getting started. I have to work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. She said she would probably have me go back again on Friday just to make sure everything was right before getting started. She originally told me that we would be starting the week after next (the 13th), due to her being gone Labor Day week; but when I was leaving, she said she would think about letting me get started the day after Labor Day. That's the way we left it. I guess I'll find out more on Monday.
Dr. Ballenger was very concerned about my arm, saying that she could look at it and tell it was swollen. She said that the radiation could easily cause it to swell up to the size of my thigh. (I told her that she could've gone all day without telling me that......) She wanted to know if I had received any therapy, and I told her no. I have been to a lymphedema clinic, been fitted for a compression undergarment, sleeve, and glove; but I have not received any therapy. She did not like this, and said that I should have received therapy to get the fluid out, then be fitted for the compression garments. She requested to send me to a therapist of her choosing and I agreed. From what I understand, they will go through some exercises with me until I have them downpat, start some therapy to get what fluid I have accumulated thus far out, and monitor me very closely during the next several weeks to try and prevent any major problems from starting.
I thought that I was going to leave with an appointment already made, but no one mentioned it, and I forgot it. I fully expect to leave Monday with a referral and appointment in hand. Even though I know this is necessary, I am really uneasy about it. My arm is extremely sore and tender from my elbow all the way to my shoulder. I can hardly stand for anyone to touch it and at times can barely stand my sleeve rubbing it. I have discussed this, as well as the radiation, with my mother. I am of this opinion at this point: I will do my best to tolerate any- and everything that they think I need to do in order to prevent the cancer from returning, and to try to prevent any further complications with my arm. That is all I can promise. If it gets to a point beyond what I can physically or mentally take, then we'll just have to take a break and let me regroup/heal a little bit. That is a decision only I can make, and only I and the Lord know what I can tolerate. I keep telling myself that He knows my limits and won't push me beyond them.
Okay, as far as the exercise program at ViQuest.........that has been postponed. Dr. Ballenger said that swimming (which I have been told is the best thing for my lymphedema) and sweating will wash off my markings. Plus, between trying to work, having radiation five days a week, therapy, recuperating from chemo, etc, etc........I'm sure you get the point. I have been told that about the time the chemo starts wearing off and I feel a little better, the radiation will start giving me fatigue. Also, due to the possible tenderness of the radiation sites, I might not be able to tolerate a lot of activity. And if that's not enough, why start an exercise program, only to stop and have a hysterectomy? So,......I will be calling them on Monday to cancel and see if I can enroll maybe in January.
Next Friday, I will have my first appointment where I will be receiving Herceptin only. This is another "precaution" to try and prevent the cancer from returning. This is the drug that prevents any remaining cancer cells from receiving estrogen and being fed by it. I will receive this drug through my port every three weeks until next spring. Also, Dr. White, my oncologist will write the orders that day for my scans to be repeated. They will probably be done the following week.
After that, I meet with my surgeon, Dr. Habal, on the 13th. This is a followup, and I'm not too sure what to expect other than I should be receiving the prescription for a prosthesis. Of course, with the radiation just starting, that will have to be put on the back burner. One thing I do want to discuss with him is the frequency of mammograms on the left side, possible removal of my remaining breast to prevent relapse, etc. I'll keep you posted.....
So, now my brain is fried, my fingers are tired, and I'm mentally exhausted. That's a lot of stuff to keep straight in my brain, much less type it all up. For that reason, I'm going to type up a list of my appointments at the end of this posting to try and help ya'll keep up with it all. I'm going to wrap it up for now. I had to work today, and I'm starting to get tired. Tomorrow's a new day though. My mama's older brother, my Uncle Bill, is taking me for a boat ride tomorrow. He's been wanting to take me fishing; but I've been afraid to go due to the heat, fatigue, and the sun making me burn easier. We're going to try a short boat ride on Bryce Creek right there behind his house. Might take off my hat and let the wind blow through my fuzz. Oh yeah, another week or so, and I should see the beginnings of my hair and eyebrows returning. I'm gonna ask Mama if she thinks shampooing with Miracle Grow will help my hair as much as it helps her plants. I'm open for any and all suggestions!
Okay, I gotta go. Again, thank you for caring enough to tune in. Please lift me up in prayer over the next couple of months. A lot of people have commented on how strong I am, how well I'm doing mentally, etc. The truth is, I'm only human. Being a nurse helps but it doesn't take away the fears. I just keep telling myself that God is in control and that worrying won't change anything. Please keep the prayers, cards, phonecalls coming (as well as the carrot cakes, oatmeal and raisin cookies, etc). After all, Dr. Ballenger won't let me start the exercise program right now, remember??
Take care. I hope to see you soon. Stop by for a visit....
Cindy
August 30th, Monday, 0900 Receive markings
September 3rd, Friday 0900 Herceptin, scans reordered, possible appt at radiation
September 13th, Monday Followup with surgeon
Dr. Ballenger examined me pretty thoroughly yesterday. She thinks it's okay to go ahead and get the ball rolling as far as the radiation. She gave me a prescription for a cream that I will be using three times a day during the treatments, as well as a special deodorant. She didn't pull any punches as far as trying to prepare me for what to expect. She said that she would be getting me "good and red" because if she doesn't, she's not doing me "any favors". Of course, every patient is different, but she said that it would be like having a really bad sunburn for a really long time. She said that it may blister, and, at times, even "weep and ooze". Because breast cancer has a tendency to return to it's original site, they will be radiating my chest, as well as the area of my clavicle (collarbone), and also my underarm. This may result in some hoarseness due to being so close to my throat; and it may also result in some scarring of the upper lobe of my left lung.
I have an appointment Monday at 0900 to receive my markings. Evidently, it's a very involved thing to get a plan of care going and check and recheck everything before getting started. I have to work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. She said she would probably have me go back again on Friday just to make sure everything was right before getting started. She originally told me that we would be starting the week after next (the 13th), due to her being gone Labor Day week; but when I was leaving, she said she would think about letting me get started the day after Labor Day. That's the way we left it. I guess I'll find out more on Monday.
Dr. Ballenger was very concerned about my arm, saying that she could look at it and tell it was swollen. She said that the radiation could easily cause it to swell up to the size of my thigh. (I told her that she could've gone all day without telling me that......) She wanted to know if I had received any therapy, and I told her no. I have been to a lymphedema clinic, been fitted for a compression undergarment, sleeve, and glove; but I have not received any therapy. She did not like this, and said that I should have received therapy to get the fluid out, then be fitted for the compression garments. She requested to send me to a therapist of her choosing and I agreed. From what I understand, they will go through some exercises with me until I have them downpat, start some therapy to get what fluid I have accumulated thus far out, and monitor me very closely during the next several weeks to try and prevent any major problems from starting.
I thought that I was going to leave with an appointment already made, but no one mentioned it, and I forgot it. I fully expect to leave Monday with a referral and appointment in hand. Even though I know this is necessary, I am really uneasy about it. My arm is extremely sore and tender from my elbow all the way to my shoulder. I can hardly stand for anyone to touch it and at times can barely stand my sleeve rubbing it. I have discussed this, as well as the radiation, with my mother. I am of this opinion at this point: I will do my best to tolerate any- and everything that they think I need to do in order to prevent the cancer from returning, and to try to prevent any further complications with my arm. That is all I can promise. If it gets to a point beyond what I can physically or mentally take, then we'll just have to take a break and let me regroup/heal a little bit. That is a decision only I can make, and only I and the Lord know what I can tolerate. I keep telling myself that He knows my limits and won't push me beyond them.
Okay, as far as the exercise program at ViQuest.........that has been postponed. Dr. Ballenger said that swimming (which I have been told is the best thing for my lymphedema) and sweating will wash off my markings. Plus, between trying to work, having radiation five days a week, therapy, recuperating from chemo, etc, etc........I'm sure you get the point. I have been told that about the time the chemo starts wearing off and I feel a little better, the radiation will start giving me fatigue. Also, due to the possible tenderness of the radiation sites, I might not be able to tolerate a lot of activity. And if that's not enough, why start an exercise program, only to stop and have a hysterectomy? So,......I will be calling them on Monday to cancel and see if I can enroll maybe in January.
Next Friday, I will have my first appointment where I will be receiving Herceptin only. This is another "precaution" to try and prevent the cancer from returning. This is the drug that prevents any remaining cancer cells from receiving estrogen and being fed by it. I will receive this drug through my port every three weeks until next spring. Also, Dr. White, my oncologist will write the orders that day for my scans to be repeated. They will probably be done the following week.
After that, I meet with my surgeon, Dr. Habal, on the 13th. This is a followup, and I'm not too sure what to expect other than I should be receiving the prescription for a prosthesis. Of course, with the radiation just starting, that will have to be put on the back burner. One thing I do want to discuss with him is the frequency of mammograms on the left side, possible removal of my remaining breast to prevent relapse, etc. I'll keep you posted.....
So, now my brain is fried, my fingers are tired, and I'm mentally exhausted. That's a lot of stuff to keep straight in my brain, much less type it all up. For that reason, I'm going to type up a list of my appointments at the end of this posting to try and help ya'll keep up with it all. I'm going to wrap it up for now. I had to work today, and I'm starting to get tired. Tomorrow's a new day though. My mama's older brother, my Uncle Bill, is taking me for a boat ride tomorrow. He's been wanting to take me fishing; but I've been afraid to go due to the heat, fatigue, and the sun making me burn easier. We're going to try a short boat ride on Bryce Creek right there behind his house. Might take off my hat and let the wind blow through my fuzz. Oh yeah, another week or so, and I should see the beginnings of my hair and eyebrows returning. I'm gonna ask Mama if she thinks shampooing with Miracle Grow will help my hair as much as it helps her plants. I'm open for any and all suggestions!
Okay, I gotta go. Again, thank you for caring enough to tune in. Please lift me up in prayer over the next couple of months. A lot of people have commented on how strong I am, how well I'm doing mentally, etc. The truth is, I'm only human. Being a nurse helps but it doesn't take away the fears. I just keep telling myself that God is in control and that worrying won't change anything. Please keep the prayers, cards, phonecalls coming (as well as the carrot cakes, oatmeal and raisin cookies, etc). After all, Dr. Ballenger won't let me start the exercise program right now, remember??
Take care. I hope to see you soon. Stop by for a visit....
Cindy
August 30th, Monday, 0900 Receive markings
September 3rd, Friday 0900 Herceptin, scans reordered, possible appt at radiation
September 13th, Monday Followup with surgeon
Monday, August 23, 2010
Another Chapter Closes.......
Hello everybody. It's Monday afternoon, and I'm here at my townhouse to get some computer work done. I have to renew my CPR and my nurse's license online today. I'm determined to get it done. I've attempted several times to do it while I was here and always got distracted. (Facebook has an addictive attraction for me....) But, it's due by the end of the month, and I have no other choice but to do it. Before I delve into that though, I wanted to post an entry and tell you the latest........
I had my final chemotherapy treatment on August the 13th, which was ten days ago. My labs were fine. A few things had dropped some, and a few had gone up some. No big deal. Everything went fine, and I started to feel the effects by Saturday evening. As usual, it put me flat of my back for several days, and I started feeling better Wednesday. This treatment held a little bit of a twist for me though. I started having gi upset and diarrhea about bedtime on Wednesday night and ended up calling out sick Thursday. It continued throughout the day, and I was even up some during the night Thursday night. By Friday, I was able to go to work, and I've been improving a little each day since.
I went and got my last super duper immune system booster shot that following Monday, the 16th. I was supposed to meet with my radiologist that day as well, but when I got there, there had been some kind of mixup and she was out of town. That appointment has been rescheduled for this Friday at 1100. By that afternoon, I'm hoping to have my schedule for the next several weeks. Then I'll meet with my oncologist on the 3rd when I go to get my Herceptin; at that time, she'll write the orders for repeating my scans. So that's the lastest. When I was at the radiologist office on the 16th, they offered to let me see another radiologist, but Mama and I were feeling so bad that day, we just agreed to reschedule. I was extremely weak, and all I wanted to do was get home.
So that's it. Nothing new to tell yet. I'm feeling pretty good today, and I'm looking forward to the chemo getting out of my system. Another week and I'm expecting to see my hair beginning to grow. I'm excited about that, of course, but it's my eyebrows I miss the most. I've been really bummed about my paleness, the darkness around my eyes, the loss of my eyebrows and eyelashes. I'm looking forward to feeling more confident in my appearance.
I'm also looking forward to getting my strength and stamina back. I missed the appointment at ViQuest on the 17th. I was much too weak to go, but I called and had them mail me the paperwork. I hope my doctor clears me to participate. One of the most common side effects of the radiation will be fatigue, so I'm not too sure if she's going to want me to start that program right now.
That's all for now. I need to start on my CPR. Thank you for tuning in. I will post another update maybe Friday after meeting with my radiologist, Dr. Ballenger.
Have a good week,
Cindy
I had my final chemotherapy treatment on August the 13th, which was ten days ago. My labs were fine. A few things had dropped some, and a few had gone up some. No big deal. Everything went fine, and I started to feel the effects by Saturday evening. As usual, it put me flat of my back for several days, and I started feeling better Wednesday. This treatment held a little bit of a twist for me though. I started having gi upset and diarrhea about bedtime on Wednesday night and ended up calling out sick Thursday. It continued throughout the day, and I was even up some during the night Thursday night. By Friday, I was able to go to work, and I've been improving a little each day since.
I went and got my last super duper immune system booster shot that following Monday, the 16th. I was supposed to meet with my radiologist that day as well, but when I got there, there had been some kind of mixup and she was out of town. That appointment has been rescheduled for this Friday at 1100. By that afternoon, I'm hoping to have my schedule for the next several weeks. Then I'll meet with my oncologist on the 3rd when I go to get my Herceptin; at that time, she'll write the orders for repeating my scans. So that's the lastest. When I was at the radiologist office on the 16th, they offered to let me see another radiologist, but Mama and I were feeling so bad that day, we just agreed to reschedule. I was extremely weak, and all I wanted to do was get home.
So that's it. Nothing new to tell yet. I'm feeling pretty good today, and I'm looking forward to the chemo getting out of my system. Another week and I'm expecting to see my hair beginning to grow. I'm excited about that, of course, but it's my eyebrows I miss the most. I've been really bummed about my paleness, the darkness around my eyes, the loss of my eyebrows and eyelashes. I'm looking forward to feeling more confident in my appearance.
I'm also looking forward to getting my strength and stamina back. I missed the appointment at ViQuest on the 17th. I was much too weak to go, but I called and had them mail me the paperwork. I hope my doctor clears me to participate. One of the most common side effects of the radiation will be fatigue, so I'm not too sure if she's going to want me to start that program right now.
That's all for now. I need to start on my CPR. Thank you for tuning in. I will post another update maybe Friday after meeting with my radiologist, Dr. Ballenger.
Have a good week,
Cindy
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Five down, one to go!
Hello everybody. It's Wednesday, August 11th, and I'm at my townhouse to update my blog. It's been almost three weeks since my last chemo treatment, and I'm feeling pretty good. I have a certain amount of fatigue now that doesn't go away, but overall, I'm doing well. I tolerated my last treatment without too much difficulty. By now, the effects of the chemo hit me by Saturday evening, and they last until about Thursday evening. Last time, I migrated from the recliner, to the couch, to the bed. Good news though: I have FINALLY graduated from the recliner! I never thought that I would appreciate getting into a bed and getting a good night's rest like I do now. It's just one more "baby step" towards getting back to a normal life........
Since my last post, I have celebrated my 42nd birthday; and let me tell you, after being diagnosed with cancer, birthdays take on a whole new meaning. You care much less what you do. You just celebrate what you can do: I bathed myself, dressed myself, ate what I wanted, ate as much as I wanted, and went to bed thanking God for being able to go to bed. All of those tasks were things that, at some point, I haven't been able to do for myself during the past five months. I also find myself valuing the people in my life more and more all the time. You've heard the expression, "You find out who your friends are?" Well, it's true. There are people who say, "Call me if you need me." There are those who don't call at all. But for every one that doesn't, there's someone who you least expect that steps up and makes your house payment for you, or takes your hand and prays for you, or shows up with a hot meal. Yes, you definitely find out who steps up and offers to help carry your burden for you. Let me take a moment now and thank those people, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you are doing. I'm sitting here now with a list of people that I need to write thank you notes to. Please forgive me if I've forgotten anyone. Sometimes, when I'm really wiped out from the chemo, it's hard to remember things I haven't done. I know I don't always mention every card that I'm receiving, but it's hard for me to do that due to the huge amount that I am receiving. I appreciate every card, every phonecall, every prayer being offered up on my behalf, every gesture of kindness extended to me, as well as my family. As I've said before, an individual doesn't get cancer, a family does. This has taken its toll on my entire family, and I don't just mean immediate family. Please be in prayer for my daddy who continues to suffer from Parkinson's disease; and my mother, who has just been told that her fibromyalgia is starting to manifest itself in her body. She is having an extremely difficult time with pain right now. She has an appointment next Tuesday with her doctor.
The next few weeks I have several appointments, so I'm just going to list them below:
August 13th - final chemo treatment
August 16th - final Neulasta shot, first meeting with radiologist since April
September 3rd - first week of receiving Herceptin only (the estrogen blocker)
this is also the very earliest that radiation can start
September 13th - five month followup appointment with surgeon
Hopefully, after meeting with the radiologist on the 16th, I'll have more details about when radiation will be starting. Also, I am hoping to participate in a 12wk program offered to cancer survivors at the ViQuest Center here in Greenville. It will involve meeting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for three months. I am hoping to attend the informational meeting that's scheduled for next Tuesday the 17th, but that falls at the worst possible time as far as my chemo. If I participate, this program will be starting around the first of September, which will be approximately two weeks after finishing chemo.
Another baby step to report: after sleeping in a recliner at my parents' house for over four months, I spent the night in my townhouse for the first time on July 30th. (Big shout out to my cousin, Robin, for chaperoning me, hooking up my printer, getting my ipod going, making my bed, ironing my clothes, baking me oatmeal and raisin cookies, etc., etc.) I spent the night ALONE here last night. I'm not home to stay yet. I just had a lot of work to do on the computer, and it made more sense to stay and go to work from here than driving all the way to Bear Grass. By the looks of it, I might be staying here again tonight.
Okay, that's it for now. Thanks for tuning in. The life and times of Cindy Taylor........
Ya'll try and stay cool in this oppressive heat. As for me, I'll be avoiding it like the plague, especially by Saturday. Take care......
Cindy
Since my last post, I have celebrated my 42nd birthday; and let me tell you, after being diagnosed with cancer, birthdays take on a whole new meaning. You care much less what you do. You just celebrate what you can do: I bathed myself, dressed myself, ate what I wanted, ate as much as I wanted, and went to bed thanking God for being able to go to bed. All of those tasks were things that, at some point, I haven't been able to do for myself during the past five months. I also find myself valuing the people in my life more and more all the time. You've heard the expression, "You find out who your friends are?" Well, it's true. There are people who say, "Call me if you need me." There are those who don't call at all. But for every one that doesn't, there's someone who you least expect that steps up and makes your house payment for you, or takes your hand and prays for you, or shows up with a hot meal. Yes, you definitely find out who steps up and offers to help carry your burden for you. Let me take a moment now and thank those people, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you are doing. I'm sitting here now with a list of people that I need to write thank you notes to. Please forgive me if I've forgotten anyone. Sometimes, when I'm really wiped out from the chemo, it's hard to remember things I haven't done. I know I don't always mention every card that I'm receiving, but it's hard for me to do that due to the huge amount that I am receiving. I appreciate every card, every phonecall, every prayer being offered up on my behalf, every gesture of kindness extended to me, as well as my family. As I've said before, an individual doesn't get cancer, a family does. This has taken its toll on my entire family, and I don't just mean immediate family. Please be in prayer for my daddy who continues to suffer from Parkinson's disease; and my mother, who has just been told that her fibromyalgia is starting to manifest itself in her body. She is having an extremely difficult time with pain right now. She has an appointment next Tuesday with her doctor.
The next few weeks I have several appointments, so I'm just going to list them below:
August 13th - final chemo treatment
August 16th - final Neulasta shot, first meeting with radiologist since April
September 3rd - first week of receiving Herceptin only (the estrogen blocker)
this is also the very earliest that radiation can start
September 13th - five month followup appointment with surgeon
Hopefully, after meeting with the radiologist on the 16th, I'll have more details about when radiation will be starting. Also, I am hoping to participate in a 12wk program offered to cancer survivors at the ViQuest Center here in Greenville. It will involve meeting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for three months. I am hoping to attend the informational meeting that's scheduled for next Tuesday the 17th, but that falls at the worst possible time as far as my chemo. If I participate, this program will be starting around the first of September, which will be approximately two weeks after finishing chemo.
Another baby step to report: after sleeping in a recliner at my parents' house for over four months, I spent the night in my townhouse for the first time on July 30th. (Big shout out to my cousin, Robin, for chaperoning me, hooking up my printer, getting my ipod going, making my bed, ironing my clothes, baking me oatmeal and raisin cookies, etc., etc.) I spent the night ALONE here last night. I'm not home to stay yet. I just had a lot of work to do on the computer, and it made more sense to stay and go to work from here than driving all the way to Bear Grass. By the looks of it, I might be staying here again tonight.
Okay, that's it for now. Thanks for tuning in. The life and times of Cindy Taylor........
Ya'll try and stay cool in this oppressive heat. As for me, I'll be avoiding it like the plague, especially by Saturday. Take care......
Cindy
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