15 Treatments Left

Whew!!! What a day -- Started out at 7:30 at the treatment center, nutritionist, doctor, home 11:30 for a 30 min nap, Dentist 3 errands and 6is finally made it home and got to sit down. I think I would rather work. My dog is also acting very needy tonight, he was lonely today.

Treatment went smooth, Doc wanted to see me because I had a new blister forming on my lip. He says it looks better than it did so we are gonna see how it does by Monday.
The nutritionist didn't really have anything different to add, gave me a few handouts. Good news is I only have to have 1250 calories a day to maintain. So, now I can add them up - she gave me a boost drink so I drank that right away for breakfast - that's 360 -choked down. Yea!!! Only 890 left. This is when I am thankful I am 4'10" -- only 1250. I can do that --I THINK?!?!?

On the way Home, I decided I wanted chips and salsa and cheese dip from the Mexican restaurant for dinner - well that didn't work, So I heated up a high protein sloppy Joe's dish that a good friend got me and was able to use that as a dip with my chips. So now I just have to work on my water intake between now and bedtime and today will be taken care of.

Really enjoyed watching the snow-- I love the snow. It is so peaceful and relaxing! Have a great weekend all. Luv ya!!!

Treatment Day 17- 16 Left

Yes! I am officially OVER halfway done!

So I am counting down from here. I Got a real good nights rest last night and feel pretty good today. Was able to choke down two eggs and 2 pieces of sausage for breakfast Which is more than I have done in awhile (must be a mental thing). Throat has been real raw and dry since yesterday afternoon, Beginning to think that is temporarily permanent. So Chloraseptic is my new best friend. Had mac n cheese and egg drop soup, fried won tons and my New Protein drink that actually went down better than I thought it would. I have to say I am now dreaming of the day I take that bite and actually taste something.

But for halfway I think I am doing great!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Philippians 4:13

Treatment Day 16

Hump day over:-) Didn't sleep much last night - however was unusually rested this morning. Was able to choke down an ensure and a couple boiled eggs. Rob tried to get me to eat an eggo--NO GO! Treatment was uneventful, Tomorrow-Halfway done. Had quite a hectic clinic, and it really wore me out after not sleeping so I left about an hour early to go home to rest. The weather was so nice I thought I got a new found taste bud or something so I got brave and went through the Arby's drive through and bought me a roast beef and potato cakes. Smelled so yummy in the car on the way home. Got settled in and set up my plate --- two bites-- and the rest went to Rob. I ended up with mac n Cheese again - tastes bad but I can at least get it down. Weight holding steady that's all I ask for. I just need to eat enough to maintain my weight. I know I can do this for another 3 1/2 weeks-- for, If you bring forth what is inside you, what you bring forth will save you. If you don't bring forth what is inside you, what you don't bring forth will destroy you. I WILL GIVE IT MY ALL!!! And GOD WILL DO THE REST!

If you could also please add My dear friends uncle to your list of prayers. He was just diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and I wish him the same strength and speedy recovery as I!!

Treatment Day 15

Not much new too offer today. More of the same. They did start placing a piece of gauze between my lip and gums because there is a hot spot causing mouth sores that shouldn't be there. Mouth still tasting bad and starting to dry out. Upping my mouth rinses when I can and trying to drink lots of water. Big clinic day today, kinda wore me out so came home, ate and off to bed. Gotta rest up for tomorrow... another clinic day - this week is gonna wear me out. Clinic 3 days this week. Whew, not sure I can take many of those. These patients can really drain you. I'd take a 5hr surgery any day.
Anyway, Got an appointment schedule for the nutritionist finally, for Friday am., Dr. appointment and Dentist also on Friday. That will be lots of fun.

AND... Thursday will be exactly half way through - so that will be something to look foreword too. YEA!!!

Treatment Day 14

Started out the day feeling refreshed and ready to go. Went to work for a 5 1/2 hr surgery and OMG did that wear my Hinney out!!! It was all I could do to get home and the wind was blowing so bad I couldn't hardly keep my car on the road - WOW!! So came home took a little nap to refresh before I Faced ... THE MACHINE!
I was actually really dreading today because, I had lost another 4 lbs and new I was gonna get in big trouble with the doctor. So I did choke down 2 donuts this am and 2 bowls of mac n cheese trying to add on as much weight as possible and I wore heavy shoes. So by the time I got there it was more like 2 lbs. Whew not as in trouble as I would have been. Treatment was good actually my mask was loose - I guess 2 lbs does make a difference. There are some sores in my mouth he is worried about, gonna add a barrier during treatment cause he says "we have a long way to go still" ... Way to be encouraging doc!! Here I was all excited we were almost half way there. He wasn't very sympathetic to my loss of hair either - just cause he's jealous I have some. lol. Anyway, got a new mouth rinse, some gel for my nose that he is drying out and a pain elixir to start taking before dinner. They are gonna force feed me one way or another. I say just Hook me up to TPN then I won't have to think about food for another month. Well off to face the supper and then to bed to rest up for another day.

Have a blessed night everyone :-)

Treatment Day 13

OK - So I know I'm late with this post. Thursday and Friday my Headaches were back so on Friday we increased my steroids back to three times a day --Darn it!! So needless to say Friday was a bit of a blurr. went to work and then home to bed. Slept most of the rest of the day. Was excited to get to sleep in on Saturday and of course... Woke up at 6:30 wide a wake and rested. Sooo got up and cleaned house, cleaned out a few cabinets, did my 20min of exercise.

Then some real excitement.

Went to take a shower so Rob and I could go to Sam's. While in the shower I couldn't get my hands threw my hair to get it washed. Well needless to say--- We pulled about a Ziploc baggie full of knotted up hair out of my head. So it is official. The next stage has begun. Loosing hair. Good thing I have a lot and it is suppose to only come out from underneath So Ce la vie. It'll come back. God and the rain will bring it back. I di-gress ( its from Red Sovine - you probably don't know his music)

So Off to Sam's to shop. Choked down a piece of pizza, Think that was a bad idea my mouth has had bad sores and is all swollen since. Noodle soup for supper - cause Rob made me eat, and now off to bed. Right now my biggest chore is just swallowing. Amazing how little things can be so annoying. But on an up side I'm watching Roadhouse - Yum yum.

Have a great weekend all. Starting week four on Monday. Just 4 weeks left. YEA!!!

Treatment Day 12

Well you can tell I had Chili for dinner- my face was so swollen I had bad Waffle face again this morning. hehe. Actually, Today was good. Not much to report. Still handling the throat pain with my throat lozenges and spray. Still can't find anything good to eat, and Just a little tired throughout the day. I am so weird!! I wish I wasn't such a texture person when It comes to food, cause the fact I can't taste anything isn't near as bad as the mushy texture nasty I feel. More eggs today and had some potato chips and pistachios. Lots of liquid. I think I need a shrink - I am having a hate - hate relationship with my food and water. Not to busy at work today, But now it is TGIF... AND two more days til I get to see my Niece--YEA!

Gotta go now Grey's Anatomy is on = Have a great night all!!

Treatment Day 11

YEA!! Officially 33.333333333...% done!! Treatment today went as usual. Had some lab work done. Then off to work.

Breakfast was my Vegetable drink, two pieces of bread and butter - yuk, and a boiled egg. The egg was the best part, for some reason egg is still somewhat resembling its self. So i am gonna stick with them as long as I can.

Lunch was another story. Had a chicken soup packet that was well... Mushy dirty Water. So I choked it down and tried 2 Reese's cups - had a little aftertaste of chocolate maybe. But really not worth the effort. So I brushed my teeth and moved on.

On the way home I dreaded the thought of having to eat supper -- How weird is that!!!

Then the Highlight of my day was my nephew called me and well made my day. (he made the honor roll too) I also got to hear from my niece actually got to talk to two of my nieces today. That just makes me smile :-). My nephew suggested I try something spicy - which for the last two weeks have made my mouth sore and hurt, so I filed that away in my little brain and waited for Rob to come home and help me decide what to eat. I tried Carrots and dip - ate two and was done with that, then he suggested Chili we had in the freezer. So I said--- two of my favorite boys suggested it, must be something to it. And what do you know - YUM (well it is all relative- Yum for what yum can be right now.) So thank you to two of my favorite boys.

On a side note, one of the nurses at my treatment center- her Husband- was in Haiti doing a mission trip and has not been heard from since the first earthquake. Please keep her and her family in your prayers and tell the ones you love, how much you love them-- today, now - Because we are the lucky ones we have that opportunity, we can give one more hug, one more kiss, this life is precious and you truly never know when the last moment will be and there is no need for regrets... I love you all --thanks for being there for me, words can never express the appreciation I have for all of you. You are all the reason I Keep fighten!! HUGS AND KISSES!!!

Treatment Day 10

Day 10 one day from 11 which means I am about 30% complete!!! YEA!! I guess I should begin with an explanation of the picture. I wasn't sure whether to put it on or not cause I think it is kinda disturbing, but Rob really thought I should.. so there it is. The Teddy bear is from my niece and nephews and the Turtle my Niece gave to me-she has one and I have one that way we are always together- she says. So they were my treatment buddies.

Today food officially became --- I say cardboard because that is how everybody else describes it but I think Cardboard might taste better. So now I eat only to add calories to my day.. Never thought I would say that. Cause normally I LOVE FOOD!!! Hopefully I will again soon.

Saw the Doctor today for my weekly check up, He says I am doing better than expected at this point in time. So, just wanted to say thank you to all of you for all your support and Prayers because I know that is why I am doing sooo Well!!!

Treadmill and Bed - Til tomorrow...

Treatment Day 9

WOW!!! What a difference a week-end can make, Spent the weekend playing Big Buck Hunter with the Nieces and Nephews and had a BLAST!! They sure can energize you and give you the appreciation of what life has to offer. There smiling faces, hugs and kisses can sure heal a soul!:-) Thanks guys aunt Shaunie Sure does love you, ALL My NIECES and Nephews. Mom and Dad made me rest and treated me like Queen for the weekend - Not that I haven't been getting that at home alot these days. But it's always nice to get the hugs from Mom and Dad, Sure can be healing.

Woke up this am. Feeling so refreshed and energetic - more than I have in weeks. Went to surgery at 7 -Took Donuts (sorry Gigi). They were yummy yet very annoying to my mouth. DANG-IT -I had to eat one though didn't want it to look bad me bringing donuts and not eating one. Had a 3hr surgery and then Off to the office to get caught up from the black hole of the week before. I don't know what it was about last week, man -Can we say crazy??

So back to treatment at hand. My mouth may be a little better, just can't eat anything cold, salty, rough, spicy -- basically warm and bland and liquid with no chunks at this point is all so--stickin with noodle soup (salt free) and mac-n-cheese, Which is ok by me cause, so far, I still like both things real well. Mom makes the awesomest homemade Chicken noodle soup that grandma Dessie use to make. YUM YUM!!! Treatment went well, my wall-eye (or should I say Waffle) face is gettin better. Was suppose to see the Doctor today, but he had three emergencies and the ambulance was there when we go there, so we postponed to tomorrow am.
Well Night all, and here's to an even better tomorrow!!!

Treatment Day 8

OK, Dread Pirate Roberts I think we are headed straight into the fire swamp Like it or not --- So Hang on.

Starting to get more of a numb tongue, throat sore off and on, I am trying to drink A LOT of water And there is a creek forming down the middle of my tongue--What is that about?? Food Not quite as good as it use to be. The best so far is anything warm, If I could just live off Chicken broth (macaroni ok too) for the next 5 weeks we would be in business. And I don't mean just for breakfast lunch and dinner- I mean 24hrs a day all day long, it seems to soothe it. Probably get old though. Well So far another blessed day. Went to work, saw a few people, got a little caught up from the CRAZY week. TGIFFS!!!

Thanks again to all my wonderful family and friends for being there and all the GREAT Birthday wishes. You all make this soooooo much easier!!

Til Monday-Love ya!!

Treatment Day 7

Today more of the same, Off to work at 6am- 5 hour surgery then I was draggin a bit heading to the office. I got to the office and they had it decorated for my birthday. And bought me lunch, chicken noodle soup from panera-- just what i needed for my second wind. Busy clinic then i had to desert them for treatment, this thing is reallly gettin in the way of my life again!!!!

treatment was uneventful.. then home, treadmill and off to bed.

No real symptoms my tongue a little white and feels like I burned it on hot soup. But I didn't - honest!! And tomorrow is Friday -- two days off YEA!!!!

Ok here we are Treatment Day 6

Amazing day!! woke up feeling Great!! Went to work 5.5 hr surgery and then home to get my treatment, as i was doing my rinses -the dogs start going crazy so I look out the window and Here comes Mom and Dad!! OMG I gotta put some pants on!!! ( I was also changing for treatment) So we hung out for about an hour and then off to the treatment center. We got to see the sweet little old couple that has been driving an hour twice a day for treatments. This is there last day --YEA!! for them. Then off to the Bristol for my free birthday dinner- yum yum!! Crab cakes and Steak--Woo HOO!! And with mom and dad too. So then then when I arrived home my best friend was here --Caught in the act_HAHA! Decorating up my car and house. - She sang to me this am, Then entire OR sang to me this morning, and now all this - My niece and nephews and sis got me a Prayer Blanket and Where do I even start with what mom and dad got me. And then my Best friend got me a Pandora bracelet - it is beautiful. Rob got me (excuse me the waiter got me) an angel necklace.

What a day The best birthday ever- and my niece texted me from SPAIN-WOW!!!

The best part is NO symptoms yet and no h/a today!! Thank you dear Lord for a great B-day!!

Treatment Day 5

Well, I had quite a day. Went to treatment this am all happy and positive. It was a little early though -7:30. They had to reposition a few times to get me relatively pain free, did my regular treatment and out the door I went. I did wake up again this am with a large "lump" feeling in my throat - I am sure it is swelling. After treatment my tongue was feeling fairly numb and is now very white. yuk.
Anywho - I was developing another H/A like yesterday. So when I got home i took a pill and laid down for about 20min before going to work. It seemed to be a little better so off I went. After getting to work it slowly started to increase in intensity and i didn't have any meds at work. Bummer. By around 2pm in the middle of clinic it was so bad I started having N/V. Needless to say I was about worthless-So thanks a bunch to Dr. hall and Angie for putting up with me and pickin up the slack. AND Rob for bringing my meds to me. I got them through the worst of clinic and headed home. This is really Tickin me off!!! So I called radiation doc at the urging of my friend and he said this could be from the treatments and started me on a low dose steroid---GREAT now I am going to blow up like a balloon!! Just what I need! Well I suppose I will do just about anything to not have another one of those things. It was bad. This may also help the big golf ball in my throat in the Am's. So came home, got more meds and off to bed!! Feel SOOOOO much better now- Better not have to do that again or someone or something is going on my s--t list ... BIG TIME!!! So, now I am off to do my mouth treatments and my 30min Walk with Chesney. Tomorrow will be an amazingly better day i am sure!!:-)

Treatment Day 4

Well it is Day 4 and All is well. Worked this am and then home for treatment. Had Chili for lunch.

Treatment went great - big time waffle face again today! We got to see the doctor after treatment he said everything is going great. No symptoms are showing so far which is awesome!!! They are going to set me up with a nutritionist to make sure my nutrition stays up and she can also help me handle some of the symptoms. He said with the plan they made I will have a very sore tongue and throat and a lot of dryness in the mouth. So she is suppose to help me deal with that.

Then the best part of the day is I got a free Rib plate at Zarda -Yum Yum!! Wednesday is gonna be Bristol -OMG the best ever week for food.

I did my walk, my Caphosol to help ward off the treatment symptoms as long as possible and my fluoride tray. Man I'd rather be at work this is a lot of hard work. ( I mean I work hard at work too, but its just so much fun it doesn't feel like work ;-)
And drinkin a lot of water. I did have water with my zarda - not exactly what i wanted but the ribs were so good i couldn't tell the difference. Now bed time for early treatment tomorrow before work.

Treatment Day 3

Ok, I am a little late with yesterday's post and well those of you that know me know I Can't remember yesterday. Sooo I will try my best. Lets see, I did go to work til about noon. Then --- oh yea, I picked Rob up at the house (he is insisting on going to each treatment with me -- Silly boy) My mouth swish did come so I started on that right away, too prevent any side effects (or at least help).

Treatment today went great, the plastic piece they put behind my neck didn't hurt, They said they didn't change anything. Sooo I guess God heard me. I could have laid there all day. They said Dr. Wall would see me Monday after treatment - i guess he sees me every Monday to check on me. So look there, get to see Dr. Wall-eye ( that's what dad called him the first day-- I don't know ---He said the workers at the office said he fishes for walleye, Doc says he hasn't --??? That's my dad- Gotta Love him) Something to look forward too.

We left there and went to Culvers for a Double Cheeseburger and then home. I cooked up a Deeeeelicious Prime rib beef with aus jus and Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatos (skins on), green beans and salad. My niece and her mom came over and we ate and ate.

It was a wonderful day. As has today been so far. The sun is shining and I'm eatin chocolate-what could be better than that.

The miracles of every day life -- amaze me!!! see ya'll monday.

Treatment Day 2

Ok, Day 2 - I was suppose to go to surgery this am and have treatment late in the day. But-- My Doc called and said the patient cancelled her surgery due to weather. That was 7am. So I called my technician and asked if I could come in at 7:30 for my treatment and they said "come on in we will treat you when you get here". They have been so great-and sooo nice. Rob was shoveling the driveway, so he wasn't tooo happy cause he was all sweaty - I told him he didn't need to go but he insisted. He didn't smell- at least i couldn't smell him. So off we went. As soon as we got there they took me back and started my treatment. As they snapped me down my neck was laying wrong on the neck piece and OOUCH!! so i kinda hollard Wait-whoa whoa whoa!! they said what?? I said - not gonna work my neck hurts bad. So they un-snapped it. Not quick enough for me. Then felt much better the second try. Did my treatment - 212is Rads and they do 9 angles, two shots at each angles. Then it's over -- Waffle face was better today. Guess I gotta lay off the salt before I go.

Still don't have my Caphosol that is suppose to help decrease my symptoms significantly - So I asked about that. They gave me the info to call and I did. Apparently My Insurance wouldn't let it get filled at the pharmacy they sent it to. Sooo I had to call and fax it to another pharmacy. I was suppose to start it Treatment day 1, But as usual -- insurance delay. The new pharmacy has worked very hard at getting it sent to me overnight. So i will pray that it makes it by tomorrow. Then Off to work. Kinda slow, which is good. Workin on a three day migraine, so - Home - finally given in to it, took meds and off to bed. Rob made me chili and served me in bed. He is being such an awesome husband. So no walk tonight.(oh Bummer, hehe) And hopefully a good long night sleep.

It was awesome driving around in the snow and I kinda didn't mind the cold. I always say I don't mind the cold as long as there is snow.

My bestest friend bought me V8 Fusion, my favorite kind and Chocolate ensure and an itunes gift card. Man I don't deserve her. Then mom had called and made her order me a really awesome song.

What a great day!!!

Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Night all- Sweet dreams...

Treatment Day 1

So- Today is D-day for the cancer cells!! Went in to work this morning and finished taking my 12 tests to get my CE credits. Yes, I waited to the last minute again.

Rob met me at home at 12:30 with steak-n-shake, YUM!! and then off to treatment we went.

It was pretty uneventful really. I checked in and they took me back almost immediately, They wouldn't let Rob go back. So he had to sit in the waiting room. They showed me around where they sit and the monitors they would see me on and told me how to get there attention if I needed something. Then Strapped me to the table with my Mesh mask ( It snaps to the table and is very tight to keep me from moving at all while I am being treated.) They had CD's and let me pick the music. Alabama- country of course:) Whew! I didn't have to sing the wheels of the bus to myself again--That was close.
The whole thing took about 25min. and we were done. Didn't feel a thing except the mask pressing down on my face and shoulders. The back of my neck got pretty sore, there is a clear, hard plastic piece under my neck to keep me in position and it was pretty uncomfortable, but no big deal. Today they took some extra pictures and then did the treatments. They had a big C-shaped arm circle me, I could barely open my Right eye and couldn't open my left cause the mask was so tight, however I could see the lens open and close as the changed the positions. Five different positions and it just sounded like the elevator door was stuck - kind of a high pitch buzz.

So after it was over, I was talking to the nurse and planning our schedule in the waiting room. My forehead itched and as i was scratching it I felt all these bumps. I thought What the ...! and then I realized I had ---- Waffle face! Yes the mask had given me waffle face. Luuuvely. The worst part is I forgot and Rob took me in a store------WITH WAFFLE FACE!! That is just not right at all! Geesh!

So that's it my first day of treatment and my waffle face. (gotta remember that) Came home, took a 20 min nap and then decided I needed to exercise 1 hour treadmill and ate a salad for dinner. 'Bout ready for bed. So far no symptoms!!! YEA!!

Let the Games Begin

Ok, I gave the Doc a call around 11:30 and the nurse said they are in working on my plan right now. Woo Hoo. So she made me an appointment for tomorrow afternoon so they would have plenty of time to get there machine calibrated and answer my questions.
So I guess this is it - Finally getting this thing underway.

So-- In celebration, my wonderful husband took me out for a steak dinner. Again, tryin to eat all the good stuff -since I may not like it anymore after treatment (they say my taste buds will change) Dr. Hall says I'm gonna like broccoli now --- I think not! Whatevaa!

This is kinda fun though. Made a list of all my favorites and we are on a mission now until I say -- YUK!

So tonight it was bourbon street steak, Chocolate mousse w/ oreos (of course) and then home for an hour walk on the treadmill. (Chesney only lasted 10 min.)

Yes,Rob is insistent on my exercising and taking my vitamins and I did my fluoride tray (the right way). Geesh

Now it's off to a good night sleep and hopefully wake up to some snow and then --Let the RADS flow ... Bring it ON!

A day closer but still waiting

Well, Today was lots of fun.
It found me at 2 doctors - i am getting really friendly with all the docs in town. Also had a little drama around the house. I was up at 5 to go to work. Took Chesney out to do his business, He was less than enthusiastic it was cold after all. He did number 1 but not 2 - You try doing it outside in this weather. So off to work -- arrived around 6:30 after picking up a dozen and a half donuts (hey, if i have to gain weight so do you all) Drank my ensure(Angie) and worked til 9:30am. Then off to Doctor number one. My other docs wanted me to establish with an Internist to follow me. That took about 2 hours and I got OUT of having any needles stuck in me. woo hoo!!!
Then I get a text from Rob-- A little present, apparently, had been left for him by chesney on the bedroom floor. OOPs. Needless to say he got a little punished from daddy. He was happy to see me at lunch time. Ate Leftover pizza, I'm trying to get more of that good food I won't be able to eat later.
Then Rob and I were off to the second doctor of the day. I Got to go to the dentist to pick up my fluoride trays to check the fit and learn how to use them. Rob is jealous cause when we fight now - my teeth will be safe and he will be totally unprotected. Bummer for him. That took about an hour and we got home around 4:30.

Still waiting on the Radiation Oncologist to call with a start date. Last week he said we would start no later than Wed. So I guess if I don't hear by noon tomorrow I will call them. We are a little anxious to get started and get it over with.

I did my fluoride treatment tonight and it wasn't bad. I did fudge on the length of time and drank too soon after. But in all fairness I'm just learning. hehe. I will do better next time -- promise.

Night All--

A New Year begins

As a new year begins A new chapter of my life begins. They tell me I have Cancer, I still don't feel as though I do and actually feel better than I have in years since the removal of the cancer in November. I have always believed life to be a precious gift and each moment to be one to cherish, and that, now more than anytime in my life, is true. It amazes me everyday how caring everyone is. The outpouring of support and love since my diagnosis has been truly a blessing. As I say to my niece when she gives me hugs " My cup run-ith over" Truly. So thanks to you all.

So I am writing this blog because there are so many wonderful people in my life that want to help and be updated and i am thinking once treatment gets started It would be easier to put all the info in one place. But please you are all welcome to call or email anytime. I love you all dearly and knowing that you are there and praying for me has been the biggest help to me through all of this. You will never know.

This weekend I have had a burst of energy and cleaned out the basement and put away all my Christmas decorations. Which I probably shouldn't have because now my allergies are acting up. oh well. I am expecting a phone call any day from the radiation oncologist to tell me when my treatments will begin. They say sometime next week. I also have to go back to the dentist and get my Fluoride tray that is suppose to protect my teeth- I have to use it twice a day for - well I don't know- ever i guess. Doctors appointment tomorrow at 10am. And my Deductible starts all over. YIPEE-LOL I'm sure it will be met the first week or so though. No problem.

Gonna go bathe and shave my little boy chesney now -He Hates it- More later.