Simple things become complex at times. They lost my MUGA scan results on Friday so I had to go back in on Monday. Yes...I'm sure my urine glowed after a double dose of radioactive juice. I couldn't have my next chemo until they had results of MUGA. It was a circle of idiocracy. My heart is less than it was three months ago, but still strong. So another dose was administered. Radiation was a test run today. In confidence to those who read, I am claustrophic. I am fine if I close my eyes and find my happy place (my happy place is our garden...get your mind out of the gutter). Good luck to those around me...I stink! No deodorant for seven weeks.....
My heart beats...my husband's heart beats...my son's heart beats...am thinking of Sonny and Cher "The Beat Goes On". I use to think a clean house was important (no I have not turned into a slob)...but what's really important is that the "beat goes on".
Make Pink Tough and Expect Great Things
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Time Flies
Time does fly quickly. It seems to me that just yesterday I was terrified of starting chemotherapy and already the worst is over (hopefully). I have adjusted to not having any hair, gaining a lot of weight, and feeling like yuck. In the grand scheme of life you must realize that these are small things. I love life...bald or hairy...thin or chunky..feeling like yuck or great. I love life. That's all there is to it.
I am thrilled to be working on preparing for the coming school year. Yes, I said "THRILLED". You see once you can't work even for a short time and with what I have gone through this summer being able to work is a GIFT.
My last mammogram was scary. I had convinced myself they had found a new cancerous spot. I was wrong. The radiologist said everything was fine. I have my new tattoo marks for the rays of radiation to target. The technological medical assistant has been doing this job for thirty years. When I commented that I bet technology had really changed during this time his response was "YES, but do you know what has changed more? When I first started this job more people died than survived. Now more survive then die." Well ladies and gentlemen that is a pretty important change that I can certainly appreciate.
Tomorrow the MUGA scan to check my heart. Keep me in your thoughts that my heart is as good as ever...
Keep Pink Tough and Expect Great Things
I am thrilled to be working on preparing for the coming school year. Yes, I said "THRILLED". You see once you can't work even for a short time and with what I have gone through this summer being able to work is a GIFT.
My last mammogram was scary. I had convinced myself they had found a new cancerous spot. I was wrong. The radiologist said everything was fine. I have my new tattoo marks for the rays of radiation to target. The technological medical assistant has been doing this job for thirty years. When I commented that I bet technology had really changed during this time his response was "YES, but do you know what has changed more? When I first started this job more people died than survived. Now more survive then die." Well ladies and gentlemen that is a pretty important change that I can certainly appreciate.
Tomorrow the MUGA scan to check my heart. Keep me in your thoughts that my heart is as good as ever...
Keep Pink Tough and Expect Great Things
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Big Prize
Round Four finished. Each session takes a larger toll on my body and recovery takes longer. I am more tired and have less energy. Uncooked fruits and vegetables are almost impossible for my body to digest. I have not had the strength to mow the lawn the whole summer. Those of you who know me well, know that this is sad news. I am hoping by the time this round wears off I'll get in a few mows before the end of the mowing season. I took far fewer steroids this round (with my doctor's permission) and can see that while I hate the side effects of them, they really do curtail the nausea as I have since learned.
Next week I have the MUGA scan to check any damage to the heart. They will not administer my next round of chemo until they have the results from the scan. I will continue to have chemo therapy every three weeks until June 2010 pending there isn't any heart damage. Keep me in your prayers. I have not been brave enough to ask what happens if there is heart damage.
Paul and I attended the Formula Drift Races in Monroe last week which was dicey so close to my chemo session. I did have some issues, but all in all survived! Scion had a big raffle. Imagine how excited I was when my name was drawn...what did I win you ask? A used 18 inch tire with Ken Gushi's autograph. I tried to act pleased, but really what was I to do with a used tire? I gave it to a groupie who was most pleased. That night I told Paul I had won the Drifting Booby prize....
Make Pink Tough and Continue to Expect great Things
Next week I have the MUGA scan to check any damage to the heart. They will not administer my next round of chemo until they have the results from the scan. I will continue to have chemo therapy every three weeks until June 2010 pending there isn't any heart damage. Keep me in your prayers. I have not been brave enough to ask what happens if there is heart damage.
Paul and I attended the Formula Drift Races in Monroe last week which was dicey so close to my chemo session. I did have some issues, but all in all survived! Scion had a big raffle. Imagine how excited I was when my name was drawn...what did I win you ask? A used 18 inch tire with Ken Gushi's autograph. I tried to act pleased, but really what was I to do with a used tire? I gave it to a groupie who was most pleased. That night I told Paul I had won the Drifting Booby prize....
Make Pink Tough and Continue to Expect great Things
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Round Four
Round Four on Wednesday....another long session. If all is good this should be the last five hour session...the last of the steroids! YEAH!!!!!
Upon talking with a colleague I was asked, "What's been the best part of your summer?"
Mind you we have stayed very close to home for medical appointments and fear of infections and germs that my body is not strong enough to fight. Paul and I have gone on some day trips. Up to Mt. Rainier (where I was devoured by bugs...hope my chemo blood made them puke!), Alki Beach, Snoqualmie Falls (Both places which I'd never been). On some of these trips Paul has been into "looking cool" driving the Z....but when he kills the engine and panics because he's not looking cool and turns on the windshield wipers when there's not a spot of water to be had it makes me laugh so hard I cry. Those episodes will be remembered with joy. But the best place has been Spa Marston & Wezeman where we over imbibe on cool beverages on warm days bonding with our goldfish, watching Tucker trying to pet them and Pyewacket trying to catch butterflies.
The best part of summer is knowing I am loved, having lots of people sending me positive thoughts, and praying for me.
Make Pink Tough and Continue to Expect Great Things
Upon talking with a colleague I was asked, "What's been the best part of your summer?"
Mind you we have stayed very close to home for medical appointments and fear of infections and germs that my body is not strong enough to fight. Paul and I have gone on some day trips. Up to Mt. Rainier (where I was devoured by bugs...hope my chemo blood made them puke!), Alki Beach, Snoqualmie Falls (Both places which I'd never been). On some of these trips Paul has been into "looking cool" driving the Z....but when he kills the engine and panics because he's not looking cool and turns on the windshield wipers when there's not a spot of water to be had it makes me laugh so hard I cry. Those episodes will be remembered with joy. But the best place has been Spa Marston & Wezeman where we over imbibe on cool beverages on warm days bonding with our goldfish, watching Tucker trying to pet them and Pyewacket trying to catch butterflies.
The best part of summer is knowing I am loved, having lots of people sending me positive thoughts, and praying for me.
Make Pink Tough and Continue to Expect Great Things
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