Well today was round 4 of chemo and unfortunately it was without event. The nurses could not get a withdraw of blood out of my chest port and therefore it could not be used to administer the chemo. This meant that they had to start an IV (usually not a good experience for me, especially after using chemo). I was rather adamant and told them they had only one try. My friend Susan, the charge nurse, got it on the first try on the underside of my wrist (very painful IV site). I was able to do my meditation while getting the chemo and held the chemo bag in my hands before it was started to try to blend our energies (I know this is very far out there for you Western Medicine people, but these are very small measures in order to prevent some very uncomfortable side effects).
After chemo I had to go to Radiology for chest x-ray to see if the port is still in place. They debated whether to do a dye contrast to check for a clot but decided against it. Susan believes the port is probably kinked where it goes around my collar bone. I have to do back tomorrow for TPA treatment. This is a medicine they use to try to dissolve a blood clot if one is in there. They will administer a small amount of the TPA to fill up the catheter and leave it sitting in there for two hours. Then they will extract the TPA and hope that it looks bloody indicated it dissolved a clot and then my blood should flow freely from the port. If this does not work than I have to go under the knife again and have the port surgically repaired.
I addition to my port fun tomorrow I meet with MerriAnn, my energy healer. So she is going to be working on eliminating some of the side effects (having bowel issues already, only hours after finishing chemo), and teaching another healing meditation.
I hope I have energy to post tomorrow and hope that it is all good news for you. Even if I am unable to post I'll have mom post so you all know how things turned out.
And for all of you waiting for the pic with the wig it should be coming soon!
Thank you again for all you support and your encouraging blogs you are sending back to me. They don't go unnoticed. While I'm in a moment a gratitude I'd like to send a shout out to Jacqueline who, of course, was at chemo again today; Kathy Walker and Jeannie Putz for sending greeting cards at least weekly and Paula for making me oodles of hats ( I think 7 or 8 in total). Everyone has been so good to me and I love that you are all in my life!!!!! :)
Denise
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Day of Appointments
Well it all in all was a good day; I'm absolutely exhausted now, but still want to give you all an update. Saw my Oncologist first thing in the morning. He confirmed that with the IV regimen of chemo, I only have to do 3 more treatments to finish my 6 treatments total. So I have a little less than 3 months of chemo left. There was a discussion of when to remove my intraperitoneal port (IP). It was decided to consult with the surgeon to determine if it is ok to remove during chemo when my immune system is lower and there is greater risk of infection.
I also had an appointment with my alternative healer today. We reviewed a meditation that focuses on healing and repair, especially around the body/health and relationships.
My third appointment of the day was with Bobbie at The Wig Palace. She custom fits wigs specifically to the person's head and styles the wig to your desire. So I now have a wig that gives me a pretty close resemblance to what I used to look like. Once the wig was on, it was quite evident that I need to start wearing make up again, especially to color in my sparse/disappearing eyebrows and eyelashes. Overall the wig does look pretty real and good to have to wear in public.
Until next time,
Denise
I also had an appointment with my alternative healer today. We reviewed a meditation that focuses on healing and repair, especially around the body/health and relationships.
My third appointment of the day was with Bobbie at The Wig Palace. She custom fits wigs specifically to the person's head and styles the wig to your desire. So I now have a wig that gives me a pretty close resemblance to what I used to look like. Once the wig was on, it was quite evident that I need to start wearing make up again, especially to color in my sparse/disappearing eyebrows and eyelashes. Overall the wig does look pretty real and good to have to wear in public.
Until next time,
Denise
Monday, February 21, 2011
I'm up and part of life again!
Hello all, Denise here. I am happy to be able to write my own blog today. As my mom touched on in the last blog, the last round of chemo did not go well at all. After my IP treatment I had a near bowel obstruction and it was decided by my oncologist and infusion nurse that the side effects from the IP treatments were far outweighing the benefits to me. I had a hard time accepting this, but then Susan my infusion nurse explained simply that, "if you broke out in hives from treatment wouldn't you be ok with us advising you to stop" and of course I said yes. So she said this is no different, that I was having far too serious effects and to continue could be VERY harmful to me. I just wanted to be able to do all I could to try to clear the cancer so to stop the more aggressive treatment was a challenge, but I do accept it now.
I meet with my oncologist this Thursday to discuss the new treatment plan. With the IV therapy the protocol is not so definite on how many treatments are recommended, and can be anywhere from 6 - ..... Some people have many more, even up to 12 or so. I will keep you posted.
I'm also working with an alternative healer now who has given me some meditation CD's with the purpose of helping my body accept the chemo better and therefore hopefully have far less side effects.
I have this week to try to get back on track and get rested, and to visit with some of you. It's funny how easily I fatigue. I got up yesterday and helped my mom make breakfast. I made some biscuits and then was exhausted. I said ok, I'm going to lay down again. ha ha.
I appreciate everyone's support, comments, emails, cards, meals, calls, visits,.....This is definitely not a battle for one so thank you for being there for me. Hopefully, I can write a few more up beat blogs this week before resuming chemo again on March 2nd.
Thank you and I love you all,
Denise
I meet with my oncologist this Thursday to discuss the new treatment plan. With the IV therapy the protocol is not so definite on how many treatments are recommended, and can be anywhere from 6 - ..... Some people have many more, even up to 12 or so. I will keep you posted.
I'm also working with an alternative healer now who has given me some meditation CD's with the purpose of helping my body accept the chemo better and therefore hopefully have far less side effects.
I have this week to try to get back on track and get rested, and to visit with some of you. It's funny how easily I fatigue. I got up yesterday and helped my mom make breakfast. I made some biscuits and then was exhausted. I said ok, I'm going to lay down again. ha ha.
I appreciate everyone's support, comments, emails, cards, meals, calls, visits,.....This is definitely not a battle for one so thank you for being there for me. Hopefully, I can write a few more up beat blogs this week before resuming chemo again on March 2nd.
Thank you and I love you all,
Denise
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
An eventful last few days left Denise very depleted from the side effects of chemo therapy. I don't want to bore you with details but if you're interested please contact me.
Denise went to her appointment for the final Cycle 3 chemo therapy treatment today. Due to the recent side effects, she was not give the treatment. Tentatively, her new treatment will be one day every three weeks of taxol and carbotaxol in her shoulder port; no more IP or abdominal port treatments. This regiment will have far less side effects and a better quality of life while undergoing chemo therapy!
New photos coming soon.
Joan/Mom
Denise went to her appointment for the final Cycle 3 chemo therapy treatment today. Due to the recent side effects, she was not give the treatment. Tentatively, her new treatment will be one day every three weeks of taxol and carbotaxol in her shoulder port; no more IP or abdominal port treatments. This regiment will have far less side effects and a better quality of life while undergoing chemo therapy!
New photos coming soon.
Joan/Mom
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Here's a new photo of Denise (on a good day) and Oliver out for their daily walk. A "thanks" to Arlene for the cute "doggy paws hat." And thanks to those who have also gifted hats to Denise.
Two of the three chemo therapies completed for Cycle 3. Denise had an infusion on Friday for hydration (chemo depletes fluids) and anti-naseau meds via IV. This is an added regiment to combat the vomiting which is successful thus far. She's pretty much staying in bed until the discomforts of chemo subside. She's complaining about her knees hurting and the neuropothy is very present. Neuropothy, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, is troublesome too.
In remembrance of President Lincoln and his efforts to heal our nation! Joan/Mom
Two of the three chemo therapies completed for Cycle 3. Denise had an infusion on Friday for hydration (chemo depletes fluids) and anti-naseau meds via IV. This is an added regiment to combat the vomiting which is successful thus far. She's pretty much staying in bed until the discomforts of chemo subside. She's complaining about her knees hurting and the neuropothy is very present. Neuropothy, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, is troublesome too.
In remembrance of President Lincoln and his efforts to heal our nation! Joan/Mom
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
It's Jac--Denise's friend. She told me to post something on the blog. We're at the Infusion Center, and I am joking with Denise that they are currently emptying a large portion of the ocean into her abdomen--it's a lot of fluid to take (even over an 8-hour period) and clearly uncomfortable. But she is able to take all of this the way she takes everything: with humor, with grace, and planning for things beyond chemo.
She's been able to go by herself to take her Costco-sized puppy Oliver on walks and--get this--she ran this morning. "Not far," she insists, but the point is, we all know someone who is on chemo and still musters the energy and will to run.
Okay, she just asked us to pass her the paperwork she needs to fill out to renew her certification to be an aerobics instructor, because she can't stand to "not be doing something." You would think that helping lower the sea level a few inches would be enough to occupy her, but not Denise. She's got plans. And even when she's here at the Infusion Center hooked up to IV bags, not feeling great, she knows that chemo is something that she will move beyond and she's looking ahead.
jac
She's been able to go by herself to take her Costco-sized puppy Oliver on walks and--get this--she ran this morning. "Not far," she insists, but the point is, we all know someone who is on chemo and still musters the energy and will to run.
Okay, she just asked us to pass her the paperwork she needs to fill out to renew her certification to be an aerobics instructor, because she can't stand to "not be doing something." You would think that helping lower the sea level a few inches would be enough to occupy her, but not Denise. She's got plans. And even when she's here at the Infusion Center hooked up to IV bags, not feeling great, she knows that chemo is something that she will move beyond and she's looking ahead.
jac
Friday, February 4, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Denise is enjoying her time as chemo side effects are at a minimal and the good weather before her next chemo therapy cycle on Tuesday. The belly button wound has not changed and time will tell what comes next with this.
Hope the good weather holds a little longer and you all have a good weekend.
Some have shared a memorable experience they have had with Denise. If you have one you would like to share, please do so. Remembering these experiences brings chuckles to Denise.
Joan/Mom
Hope the good weather holds a little longer and you all have a good weekend.
Some have shared a memorable experience they have had with Denise. If you have one you would like to share, please do so. Remembering these experiences brings chuckles to Denise.
Joan/Mom
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