I haven't had time to update lately. Work has been so crazy that I have been bringing work home most nights and haven't been online to update. Here are some things to update about.
Tests - CT and MUGA
Last Wednesday I spent the day at the hospital getting my repeat chest CT and Muga scan. The tests went fine. Today I got my results and all was good. My CT showed the nodule was still there and the same size. That's a good sign and they'll continue to follw-up in about 6 months. The MUGA actually showed a 1% improvement in my heart function.
Radiation
Last Monday I had my radiation simulation. Wednesday, I thought I was going to start radiation, but they just took some x-rays to be sure that the marks they made on Monday were in the right spot. Thursday was my first official day and I got an 8:15 a.m. time for every day. It's been really easy. I go in, put on a gown, go to the room and get on the table, get zapped, then change again and I've been back at work at 8:45 a.m. So far no noticable side effects and the baby powder seems to be working fine as deoderant. So far, so good.
Herceptin
Last week I was scheduled for Herceptin on Wednesday, but I was so busy with all of my other Wednesday appointments I tried to reschedule. Instead, they just let me cancel it. This week was my last weekly appointment. Next appointment is in 3 weeks.
Girl's Weekend with Work Friends
Last weekend I went to Lake Cumberland in Kentucky with 4 other co-workers. One of them owns a lakehouse, so we stayed there. It was awesome and beautiful. It sleeps 20, so it was huge. We left work early on Friday and drove the 5 hours to the house. We got in around 8 p.m. and stayed up late. We played Phase 10 and made some snacks and then got in the hot tub. Saturday we slept in a little and then got up and had pancakes, bacon, and eggs for breakfast. After everyone dressed we drove over to the boat dock and walked around for a little while and then drove over to the marina and looked at all the house boats. After that we went back and had a late lunch/ early dinner of hamburgers on the grill, pasta salad, and baked beans. After that we walked down a huge hill (I'm talking my calves are still sore) and saw the lake. When we came back up to the house we started playing 5-handed Euchre. Then we played a little pool and then Scrabble. We went to bed a little after midnight. Sunday morning we had another big breakfast and then packed and cleaned up the house. We got home around 6 p.m.
More Appointments
I'll still be busy this week with doctor's appointments. Of course, I have my daily radiation. Today I had my Herceptin appointment. Thursday, I'm scheduled to go meet my new OB/GYN and get an IUD. I had called about it the week before and my doctor was on vacation. They called me back on Wednesday and she thinks I should get an IUD. I've done a little research and have a list of questions to ask before they go ahead. Friday, Grace has her follow-up with the plastic surgeon. The good news is that I think that her small hole may have closed. She won't really let me look, but last time I did it looked like it was getting smaller. I also think she can suck now. She makes a sucking noise now when she uses her sippy cup and I never heard that before. We'll see. On top of that, I'll probably have to work late at least one night this week or take more work home. Also, Wednesday is my birthday. No plans, but maybe that will change by then.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Just For Fun
I've been bad about the pictures lately, so here are some recent favorites.
This was taken on 1/25 when Grace was still in sleeves. Her Grandpa Gary sent her this big red dog.
This one was Grace dressed up for church using her sippy cup. The outfit was one of her birthday gifts from Grandma. Taken 2/5.
Same day. Grace was sitting in her birthday chair from Erica.
Here is Grace in all of her glory last weekend throwing a fit.
Still...
Still...
After the fit, she needed to chill out with her lovey.
This one was was taken on Monday before leaving for daycare. This outfit was a Valentine's gift from Grandma.
And finally, this was taken by me last weekend to show how much my hair has grown back. I promise, it's growing.
This was taken on 1/25 when Grace was still in sleeves. Her Grandpa Gary sent her this big red dog.
This one was Grace dressed up for church using her sippy cup. The outfit was one of her birthday gifts from Grandma. Taken 2/5.
Same day. Grace was sitting in her birthday chair from Erica.
Here is Grace in all of her glory last weekend throwing a fit.
Still...
Still...
After the fit, she needed to chill out with her lovey.
This one was was taken on Monday before leaving for daycare. This outfit was a Valentine's gift from Grandma.
And finally, this was taken by me last weekend to show how much my hair has grown back. I promise, it's growing.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Plans
I don't feel like I've got much to write about for a weekend recap. We didn't really do anything exciting. We rented a couple of movies, I did the usual laundry and grocery shopping. Saturday afternoon Grace and I met Samara and Ava at Babies R Us and then we picked up the husbands and went to dinner at Applebees. That was about it for the weekend.
Today, however, started the first of a week of busy days. I had the morning to myself after Grace and Eric left for work and daycare. I put away laundry, picked up downstairs and went through Grace's closet and dresser and put away her outgrown clothes. I then went downtown and met an ex-coworker for lunch. After lunch I headed over to the hospital for my "Simulation" appointment in Radiation Oncology. It was a little weird because I had to lay on this table for about 45 minutes while 2 Techs and the doctor kept adjusting the machines and trying to line up everything. I had to be exposed the whole time, but I just tried to relax. Once they got me positioned correctly, they drew all these marks on me with permanant marker, so when they actually start the radiaiton they'll be able to aim at the same spot everytime. They'll touch up the marker when I come in to be sure it stays on until I'm done. They also put clear stickers over the important marks to help them stay on. The worst part is they told me I can't wear deodarant on that side until we're done. Apparently, deoderant has aluminum (or some other metal) in it, so if I wear it it will react with the radiation and make it like a rally bad sunburn under my arm. I'm supposed to use baby powder or corn starch until then. Once they got me set up, they sent me to get a CT. The CT was just to get a three dimensional picture of me, so they would know how "thick" I was. This will help them with the dosage to be sure it goes in the right depth. After that, they sent me over to the lab to get a blood test and be sure I'm not pregnant before they start.
Tomorrow, I don't have any appointments, but I'm sure I'll be really busy at work. Again, I have five new accounts, so they are keeping very busy.
Wednesday, I'll be spending the whole day at the hospital again. I have an 8:30 arrival. At 10:00 a.m. I have my lung CT. I'm pretty sure this is the test that requires me to drink the Barium stuff before hand, since they told me no food or drink after midnight. This test is to check on that small spot that they found on my lung in October. At 11:00 a.m. I have a MUGA scan. This is the test to be sure my heart is still in good shape after the Epirubicin and before they finish up the Herceptin. I did have a 2:00 appointment to get my weekly Herceptin dose, but I called today and they are going to let me skip it this week. Now I have a 2:30 p.m. appointment to start my radiation.
Thursday. Since I am starting radiaition on Wednesday, I'll have an appointment some time on Thursday for radiation. It's a busy day at work too. I have 2 different client meetings. One at 10:00 a.m. and one at 2:00 p.m.
Friday. Radiation some time. I also will be leaving for the weekend to go on a girls weekend with 5 coworkers. One of my coworkers has a lake house and is having 6 of us down for a weekend. She's got a hot tub and we're bringing tons of food. It should be lots of fun. I'll get back some time on Sunday.
Makes me tired just writing about it. The family will be home any time, so that's it for now. I did take some pictures of Grace this weekend that are worth sharing, so I'll do that tonight after Grace goes to bed (and after I work out!).
Today, however, started the first of a week of busy days. I had the morning to myself after Grace and Eric left for work and daycare. I put away laundry, picked up downstairs and went through Grace's closet and dresser and put away her outgrown clothes. I then went downtown and met an ex-coworker for lunch. After lunch I headed over to the hospital for my "Simulation" appointment in Radiation Oncology. It was a little weird because I had to lay on this table for about 45 minutes while 2 Techs and the doctor kept adjusting the machines and trying to line up everything. I had to be exposed the whole time, but I just tried to relax. Once they got me positioned correctly, they drew all these marks on me with permanant marker, so when they actually start the radiaiton they'll be able to aim at the same spot everytime. They'll touch up the marker when I come in to be sure it stays on until I'm done. They also put clear stickers over the important marks to help them stay on. The worst part is they told me I can't wear deodarant on that side until we're done. Apparently, deoderant has aluminum (or some other metal) in it, so if I wear it it will react with the radiation and make it like a rally bad sunburn under my arm. I'm supposed to use baby powder or corn starch until then. Once they got me set up, they sent me to get a CT. The CT was just to get a three dimensional picture of me, so they would know how "thick" I was. This will help them with the dosage to be sure it goes in the right depth. After that, they sent me over to the lab to get a blood test and be sure I'm not pregnant before they start.
Tomorrow, I don't have any appointments, but I'm sure I'll be really busy at work. Again, I have five new accounts, so they are keeping very busy.
Wednesday, I'll be spending the whole day at the hospital again. I have an 8:30 arrival. At 10:00 a.m. I have my lung CT. I'm pretty sure this is the test that requires me to drink the Barium stuff before hand, since they told me no food or drink after midnight. This test is to check on that small spot that they found on my lung in October. At 11:00 a.m. I have a MUGA scan. This is the test to be sure my heart is still in good shape after the Epirubicin and before they finish up the Herceptin. I did have a 2:00 appointment to get my weekly Herceptin dose, but I called today and they are going to let me skip it this week. Now I have a 2:30 p.m. appointment to start my radiation.
Thursday. Since I am starting radiaition on Wednesday, I'll have an appointment some time on Thursday for radiation. It's a busy day at work too. I have 2 different client meetings. One at 10:00 a.m. and one at 2:00 p.m.
Friday. Radiation some time. I also will be leaving for the weekend to go on a girls weekend with 5 coworkers. One of my coworkers has a lake house and is having 6 of us down for a weekend. She's got a hot tub and we're bringing tons of food. It should be lots of fun. I'll get back some time on Sunday.
Makes me tired just writing about it. The family will be home any time, so that's it for now. I did take some pictures of Grace this weekend that are worth sharing, so I'll do that tonight after Grace goes to bed (and after I work out!).
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Valentine's Day, Radiation Oncology, and Work Woes
For being only Wednesday, it's been a pretty busy week. Monday was fairly quiet. I stayed home and rested and got some stuff around the house done. Mostly things like writing thank you notes, and doing the bills, but also about 6 loads of laundry. Monday I met Eric at lunch time and we got our taxes done. We're going to get a little more back than last year, so I should have enough to pay for the classes I want to take this year, our trip to Iowa to visit my parents, and we'll put the rest in savings so we have a little cushion.
Tuesday was Valentine's Day and I stayed home again. I even studied a little for my upcoming CPCU exam. A woman from church had called last week and offered to babysit so Eric and I could go to dinner, so we took her up on it. She arrived at around 6 p.m. and we went over Grace's routine and then left for dinner. We wanted to go to Outback, so I called ahead on the way, but they weren't taking call-ahead seating. When we got there, there was an hour and 15 minute wait time. We expected to wait though, so we just talked and enjoyed our time out. Once we were seated dinner was wonderful. I think I ate the best steak I'd ever had. Yum! We made it home at about 8:45 p.m. and the sitter said Grace was wonderful. Other than dinner, we just exchanged cards.
Today I had an appointment to meet my Radiation Oncologist. I wasn't sure what to expect from the appointment. It was really general, but Dr. B seemed nice enough. When we were discussing my history, he asked lots of questions about family history, etc. (like every doctor does) and seemed a bit puzzled that I'd managed to come down with breast cancer. He asked if I'd done the genetic testing and I told him that I plan to, but haven't yet. He seemed to think it would be a good idea. He did a breast exam and then explained briefly the process and side effects. He said since I have a light complexion, I may have some issues with radiation burn, which will be alot like a sunburn. He gave me the name of a cream I can use to try to reduce the effects. Permanantly, I may have darkened skin on that breast, and it may get smaller and firmer. I asked about the possibility of breast-feeding in the future. He said, probably not. He said it won't hurt the baby, but I probably won't be able to make much milk in that breast. He also asked about our birth control methods and seemed concerned that maybe we aren't doing enough. He said it's very important that I don't get pregnant while undergoing radiation. I'm not really sure what the answer to that is. I've been told I shouldn't be on a hormonal birth control, so in my mind that left condoms. However, when I told Dr. B what we were using, he said, "Is that it?" I'm not crazy about an IUD, but I don't know what other non-hormonal options are available. Anyway... I'll have my first appointment where they do a "set-up" and they'll draw with marker on my skin to line everything up. Then daily when I come in, they'll touch up my marks and the radiation will only take 10 to 15 minutes. I also get valet parking or can get a token for the garage. They are open from 8 to 4:30 and I shouldn't have any problems getting an early morning appointmet daily. I'll go for about 6 1/2 weeks. I asked when we start and he said probalby in two weeks or so, since I just finished my chemo. So, I went out to the secretary to get scheduled. She scheduled me for Monday to do the "set-up" and said I won't get radiation that day. I asked her when I'd actually start, and she said probably towards the end of the week or the next week. So, I still don't have it set in stone, but I could be starting as soon as next week. I guess the sooner I start, the sooner I finish.
Finally, the last part of this post is work issues. Yesterday (when I wasn't there) two of the seven people in my department quit. We all are pretty overworked anyway, but now we have to pick up their work too. The bad news is that they may not replace either person or maximum one person. So, today when I went in to the office I was assigned 5 new accounts. I only had 5 before, although they were pretty large accounts, now I have 10. One of them has a March 1st renewal, so I need to figure it out pretty quickly. Hopefully, I can just pick up and run with it and hopefully this will be taken into account when raises and bonuses are announced in a couple of weeks. Wish me luck.
Tuesday was Valentine's Day and I stayed home again. I even studied a little for my upcoming CPCU exam. A woman from church had called last week and offered to babysit so Eric and I could go to dinner, so we took her up on it. She arrived at around 6 p.m. and we went over Grace's routine and then left for dinner. We wanted to go to Outback, so I called ahead on the way, but they weren't taking call-ahead seating. When we got there, there was an hour and 15 minute wait time. We expected to wait though, so we just talked and enjoyed our time out. Once we were seated dinner was wonderful. I think I ate the best steak I'd ever had. Yum! We made it home at about 8:45 p.m. and the sitter said Grace was wonderful. Other than dinner, we just exchanged cards.
Today I had an appointment to meet my Radiation Oncologist. I wasn't sure what to expect from the appointment. It was really general, but Dr. B seemed nice enough. When we were discussing my history, he asked lots of questions about family history, etc. (like every doctor does) and seemed a bit puzzled that I'd managed to come down with breast cancer. He asked if I'd done the genetic testing and I told him that I plan to, but haven't yet. He seemed to think it would be a good idea. He did a breast exam and then explained briefly the process and side effects. He said since I have a light complexion, I may have some issues with radiation burn, which will be alot like a sunburn. He gave me the name of a cream I can use to try to reduce the effects. Permanantly, I may have darkened skin on that breast, and it may get smaller and firmer. I asked about the possibility of breast-feeding in the future. He said, probably not. He said it won't hurt the baby, but I probably won't be able to make much milk in that breast. He also asked about our birth control methods and seemed concerned that maybe we aren't doing enough. He said it's very important that I don't get pregnant while undergoing radiation. I'm not really sure what the answer to that is. I've been told I shouldn't be on a hormonal birth control, so in my mind that left condoms. However, when I told Dr. B what we were using, he said, "Is that it?" I'm not crazy about an IUD, but I don't know what other non-hormonal options are available. Anyway... I'll have my first appointment where they do a "set-up" and they'll draw with marker on my skin to line everything up. Then daily when I come in, they'll touch up my marks and the radiation will only take 10 to 15 minutes. I also get valet parking or can get a token for the garage. They are open from 8 to 4:30 and I shouldn't have any problems getting an early morning appointmet daily. I'll go for about 6 1/2 weeks. I asked when we start and he said probalby in two weeks or so, since I just finished my chemo. So, I went out to the secretary to get scheduled. She scheduled me for Monday to do the "set-up" and said I won't get radiation that day. I asked her when I'd actually start, and she said probably towards the end of the week or the next week. So, I still don't have it set in stone, but I could be starting as soon as next week. I guess the sooner I start, the sooner I finish.
Finally, the last part of this post is work issues. Yesterday (when I wasn't there) two of the seven people in my department quit. We all are pretty overworked anyway, but now we have to pick up their work too. The bad news is that they may not replace either person or maximum one person. So, today when I went in to the office I was assigned 5 new accounts. I only had 5 before, although they were pretty large accounts, now I have 10. One of them has a March 1st renewal, so I need to figure it out pretty quickly. Hopefully, I can just pick up and run with it and hopefully this will be taken into account when raises and bonuses are announced in a couple of weeks. Wish me luck.
Monday, February 13, 2006
The Rest of the Weekend
The rest of the weekend turned out nicely. Danialle made me some grilled cheese for lunch on Saturday while I showered and Eric watched Grace. After Grace's lunch we put her down for a nap and decided to go over to a hat/wig/jewelry boutique that my Emmaus group from church had bought me a gift certificate for. I bought two stylish new hats. Another comfy cotten hat, scarf and a cool pair of earring for me. I also bought a pull on hat and scarf as gifts for a woman at work with Kidney cancer. She had radiation on her brain and has lost most of her hair and doesn't have a wig, so I thought she might like something nice. Danialle bought herself a ring.
Grace was still sleeping when we got back, but we got her up around 3:30 p.m. Danialle showered while we gave Grace a snack and then we gave Grace a bath and got all of her stuff together for the babysitter. We left around 4:30 p.m. and took her to one of Eric's coworkers house who had agreed to watch her. Then we headed over to this outdoor town center with lots of restaurants and shopping to meet Will and Samara for dinner. The original plan was to go to Brio which is an Italian restaurant. We called about reservations, but couldn't get in until 8:30 p.m. which was later than we wanted, so decided to try a walk-in. We got there at 5:45 p.m. and were told that we had a 2 hour plus wait. We put in our name and walked over to the Cheesecake Factory which was an hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minute wait. Then we walked over to a new Mexican restaurant called Abeulo's and were told 1 hour 45 minutes. By this time Will and Samara had made it over and walked up to Bar Louie (a martini bar with a full dinner menu) where there was no wait. That settled it. We had brushetta and I had Blackened Chicken Alfredo, so I still got my Italian in. Danialle and I split some wine and it was very nice. After we finished dinner they were getting busier and we weren't ready to part ways, so we walked over to Adobe Gilas and got another table. I'll blame in on the steroids, but I was still hungry so I ordered some chips and queso. Once we left there, Danialle and I sent Eric to get the car while walked back to the Cheesecake factory for some dessert to go. I also picked up a piece for our babysitter as "payment" for our evening out. We were pretty tired when we got home, so for once we went to bed at a reasonable time.
Sunday morning, Grace was chirping away by 7 a.m. but it was Eric's day, so I slept in until about 8:30 a.m. I got up and we just lounged around and chatted until about 10:30 a.m. when it was time to take Danialle to the airport. After we got back and had lunch Grace and I napped and then the family just hung out all afternoon/evening. Eric watched the first half of the pro-bowl and we made sure to watch Desparate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy. I slept decently until around 4:00 a.m. when Grace woke up crying about every 20 minutes until 6:30 am. Of course then I got back into a good sleep and then had to get up to get her ready for daycare.
Today I have a list of some stuff to accomplish. Not much phyical activity, but stuff like updating my fitness blog, writing thank you notes, Grace's Valentine's for tomorrow, catching up on e-mails, and updating Grace's baby book on her 9th tooth! Yes that's right, she popped another one this weekend. Her 3rd molar this one on the bottom. At noon I'm meeting Eric to go do our taxes and I'm also working on laundry today. Good news is I'm home alone, so I'll probably get a nap in too and I'm off tomorrow, so I don't have to get everything done today.
Danialle took some nice pictures this weekend and I haven't posted any in a while, so I'll try to get around to that too. I'm also thinking of taking another picture now that my hair's growing back in. I think it's starting to look less and less scary to be without a head covering.
Grace was still sleeping when we got back, but we got her up around 3:30 p.m. Danialle showered while we gave Grace a snack and then we gave Grace a bath and got all of her stuff together for the babysitter. We left around 4:30 p.m. and took her to one of Eric's coworkers house who had agreed to watch her. Then we headed over to this outdoor town center with lots of restaurants and shopping to meet Will and Samara for dinner. The original plan was to go to Brio which is an Italian restaurant. We called about reservations, but couldn't get in until 8:30 p.m. which was later than we wanted, so decided to try a walk-in. We got there at 5:45 p.m. and were told that we had a 2 hour plus wait. We put in our name and walked over to the Cheesecake Factory which was an hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minute wait. Then we walked over to a new Mexican restaurant called Abeulo's and were told 1 hour 45 minutes. By this time Will and Samara had made it over and walked up to Bar Louie (a martini bar with a full dinner menu) where there was no wait. That settled it. We had brushetta and I had Blackened Chicken Alfredo, so I still got my Italian in. Danialle and I split some wine and it was very nice. After we finished dinner they were getting busier and we weren't ready to part ways, so we walked over to Adobe Gilas and got another table. I'll blame in on the steroids, but I was still hungry so I ordered some chips and queso. Once we left there, Danialle and I sent Eric to get the car while walked back to the Cheesecake factory for some dessert to go. I also picked up a piece for our babysitter as "payment" for our evening out. We were pretty tired when we got home, so for once we went to bed at a reasonable time.
Sunday morning, Grace was chirping away by 7 a.m. but it was Eric's day, so I slept in until about 8:30 a.m. I got up and we just lounged around and chatted until about 10:30 a.m. when it was time to take Danialle to the airport. After we got back and had lunch Grace and I napped and then the family just hung out all afternoon/evening. Eric watched the first half of the pro-bowl and we made sure to watch Desparate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy. I slept decently until around 4:00 a.m. when Grace woke up crying about every 20 minutes until 6:30 am. Of course then I got back into a good sleep and then had to get up to get her ready for daycare.
Today I have a list of some stuff to accomplish. Not much phyical activity, but stuff like updating my fitness blog, writing thank you notes, Grace's Valentine's for tomorrow, catching up on e-mails, and updating Grace's baby book on her 9th tooth! Yes that's right, she popped another one this weekend. Her 3rd molar this one on the bottom. At noon I'm meeting Eric to go do our taxes and I'm also working on laundry today. Good news is I'm home alone, so I'll probably get a nap in too and I'm off tomorrow, so I don't have to get everything done today.
Danialle took some nice pictures this weekend and I haven't posted any in a while, so I'll try to get around to that too. I'm also thinking of taking another picture now that my hair's growing back in. I think it's starting to look less and less scary to be without a head covering.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Chemo #6 - In the Books
It's official. I'm finished with my chemotherapy! Hooray!
Thursday night we had some trouble heading to bed. Danialle got in right around 9:30 p.m. and when she got in we watched some TV and talked and ended up staying up until around 1 a.m.
Friday morning Grace woke up on time, so I got her ready and sent her to daycare with Eric. Danialle and I sat around and chatted for a while and then I showered and we dressed. We headed to First Watch for a big breakfast and then on to the doctor's office. This time I was back in the main office which I thought would help with the overcrowding problem at the branch office. Turns out I was wrong. Unfortunately, it must mean there are alot of people with cancer that need treatment.
We got to the office on time, but had to wait for a while in the waiting room. We were able to pass the time though. They took me back for my vitals and accessed my port. Once they got the needle in, they flushed it like normal, and saline shot out the side of the tubing where it connects to the needle. Turns out I got a defective one, so they had to take it out and re-access me. Fun. Then Danialle and I waited a little more until they had an exam room ready for me. Dr. Y came in to chat. They had printed out my scheduled appointments and they had me down for 2 more rounds of Taxotere, so I asked about that and confirmed that this was the last one. It is. I also found out I have the next two weeks appointments for my CBC and Herceptin. After that, I shouldn't need CBC's as often because the Herceptin doesn't affect my blood count. In three weeks I'll just do Herceptin and then go to a three week schedule. I also asked about getting in to discuss the Genetic test. He said they'll schedule me an appointment (although I forgot to check on it when we left). I also got my CBC results and found out my Hemoglobin count was back up, so I didn't need another Procrit shot.
After meeting with the doctor we had to hang out for a while until a chair opened up (they have 8!). I didn't have to wait too long before I snagged one. The chairs were full the whole time and I know they at least had 2 people getting chemo in exam rooms. Danialle hung out on the floor by my chair. There were 2 nurses administering drugs, but even then to wait a while before they got me started. I don't remember when they hooked me up, but I'm thinking it was at least noon. We ate some food they had in the office, we made a grocery list, flipped through some magazines and I took about a 20 minute nap. I finished up at 3:00 p.m. (just over 4 hours after my appointment time).
Once we left the office, we were hungry so we went to Chipotle and had a burrito. After that, I got a second wind, so we went to the grocery store and got my groceries for the week. We got home at the same time as Eric and Grace. We just hung out for the rest of the evening. We watched some stuff we had on the DVR and chatted again. Again, it was really hard to stop talking, so we didn't go to bed until after 2 am.
This morning, Grace didn't get the memo that we needed to sleep in. She started chatting at 6:30, but I didn't get up with her until 7:30 a.m. She's back down for a nap now, but I'll have to get her up soon. No real plans during the day today. We'll play with Grace and once Eric gets up (yes, he's sleeping in today), I may take a nap. Tonight we have a babysitter lined up and we're going out to dinner to celebrate with Will and Samara. Seems like the weekend is too short, because tomorrow Danialle is going back to Chicago.
Thursday night we had some trouble heading to bed. Danialle got in right around 9:30 p.m. and when she got in we watched some TV and talked and ended up staying up until around 1 a.m.
Friday morning Grace woke up on time, so I got her ready and sent her to daycare with Eric. Danialle and I sat around and chatted for a while and then I showered and we dressed. We headed to First Watch for a big breakfast and then on to the doctor's office. This time I was back in the main office which I thought would help with the overcrowding problem at the branch office. Turns out I was wrong. Unfortunately, it must mean there are alot of people with cancer that need treatment.
We got to the office on time, but had to wait for a while in the waiting room. We were able to pass the time though. They took me back for my vitals and accessed my port. Once they got the needle in, they flushed it like normal, and saline shot out the side of the tubing where it connects to the needle. Turns out I got a defective one, so they had to take it out and re-access me. Fun. Then Danialle and I waited a little more until they had an exam room ready for me. Dr. Y came in to chat. They had printed out my scheduled appointments and they had me down for 2 more rounds of Taxotere, so I asked about that and confirmed that this was the last one. It is. I also found out I have the next two weeks appointments for my CBC and Herceptin. After that, I shouldn't need CBC's as often because the Herceptin doesn't affect my blood count. In three weeks I'll just do Herceptin and then go to a three week schedule. I also asked about getting in to discuss the Genetic test. He said they'll schedule me an appointment (although I forgot to check on it when we left). I also got my CBC results and found out my Hemoglobin count was back up, so I didn't need another Procrit shot.
After meeting with the doctor we had to hang out for a while until a chair opened up (they have 8!). I didn't have to wait too long before I snagged one. The chairs were full the whole time and I know they at least had 2 people getting chemo in exam rooms. Danialle hung out on the floor by my chair. There were 2 nurses administering drugs, but even then to wait a while before they got me started. I don't remember when they hooked me up, but I'm thinking it was at least noon. We ate some food they had in the office, we made a grocery list, flipped through some magazines and I took about a 20 minute nap. I finished up at 3:00 p.m. (just over 4 hours after my appointment time).
Once we left the office, we were hungry so we went to Chipotle and had a burrito. After that, I got a second wind, so we went to the grocery store and got my groceries for the week. We got home at the same time as Eric and Grace. We just hung out for the rest of the evening. We watched some stuff we had on the DVR and chatted again. Again, it was really hard to stop talking, so we didn't go to bed until after 2 am.
This morning, Grace didn't get the memo that we needed to sleep in. She started chatting at 6:30, but I didn't get up with her until 7:30 a.m. She's back down for a nap now, but I'll have to get her up soon. No real plans during the day today. We'll play with Grace and once Eric gets up (yes, he's sleeping in today), I may take a nap. Tonight we have a babysitter lined up and we're going out to dinner to celebrate with Will and Samara. Seems like the weekend is too short, because tomorrow Danialle is going back to Chicago.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Check-up with Dr. L
Today I had my 6 month check-up with Dr. L. It hasn't been quite 6 months, but that's ok. I love Dr. L. While she tends to talk fast and gets through the appointment quickly, she does it in a way that makes you feel like she cares about you and how you are doing. She came in, hugged me (which was slightly awkward since I was wearing my paper vest), and told me she liked my wig. She also told me that she thinks I always seem to be handling things really well. That I have a great attitude and she thinks that helps. She said that I look great and I told her I feel good too. Overall, things haven't been that bad. Chemo wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. And it's almost over! She said radiation will be a breeze compared to the chemo. The rest of the appointment is outlined below.
General Checkup
- We reviewed my mammogram, we couldn't see much because I have dense tissue, but it looked fine
- Breast Exam - Dr. L noticed my scar area was "thick" but that's how it's been healing and I told her it doesn't feel like it's getting thicker if anything I feel like it's getting thinner. If that changes, I'm supposed to let her know
- She wants to see me again in August for my 1 year follow up and will have me do bilateral mammogram, right breast ultrasound, chest x-ray, and blood work in preparation
Radiation
- I will do it downtown at the hospital, so it is close to my work
- I have a referral to meet Dr. B for a consultation on Wed. 2/15
- She usually recommends starting radiation 1 month after finishing chemo, I am guessing I'll get my official schedule next week when I meet with Dr. B
Exercise
- No restrictions on what I can do
- She doesn't have a problem with me lifting weights, although she said I may "feel it more" because of the port
- She thought it was a good idea and asked me to lose 5 pounds by August. I said, "no problem." She doesn't weigh me though, so I don't think that was an official request
Overall, a good appointment. In less than an hour, I'm going to pick up Danialle. She's staying for the weekend and tomorrow we'll go see Dr. Y and have my last round of chemo!
General Checkup
- We reviewed my mammogram, we couldn't see much because I have dense tissue, but it looked fine
- Breast Exam - Dr. L noticed my scar area was "thick" but that's how it's been healing and I told her it doesn't feel like it's getting thicker if anything I feel like it's getting thinner. If that changes, I'm supposed to let her know
- She wants to see me again in August for my 1 year follow up and will have me do bilateral mammogram, right breast ultrasound, chest x-ray, and blood work in preparation
Radiation
- I will do it downtown at the hospital, so it is close to my work
- I have a referral to meet Dr. B for a consultation on Wed. 2/15
- She usually recommends starting radiation 1 month after finishing chemo, I am guessing I'll get my official schedule next week when I meet with Dr. B
Exercise
- No restrictions on what I can do
- She doesn't have a problem with me lifting weights, although she said I may "feel it more" because of the port
- She thought it was a good idea and asked me to lose 5 pounds by August. I said, "no problem." She doesn't weigh me though, so I don't think that was an official request
Overall, a good appointment. In less than an hour, I'm going to pick up Danialle. She's staying for the weekend and tomorrow we'll go see Dr. Y and have my last round of chemo!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Here We Go Again
Yesterday afternoon we got a call from the daycare that Grace was running a temperature of 101. Anything over 100 means that we have to pick her up and there is a 24 hour rule that says she has to be fever-free for 24 hours before going back. Eric picked her up, brought her home and gave her some Motrin and her fever went away. Around 2:30 a.m. she was coughing alot and kept waking up, so I gave her some baby cold medicine and that seemed to help, although I did check her temp and it was normal.
Today Eric and I decided to split the day. I stayed home with her this morning and he came home at lunch and I went in to work. During my half of the day, I took her to the doctor. She's had cold symptoms for several days (runny nose that crusts over at night). This weekend she started coughing too and not sleeping so well. Tuesday she started wheezing a bit while she breathes. The doctor seemed concerned that she might not have gotten over her pneumonia, although I was pretty sure that this was a new illness. It wasn't her normal doctor though, and her chart didn't have her original chest x-ray from the hospital, so he didn't realize the follow-up x-ray had shown an improvement. Anyway, he checked her lungs and said they sounded good, that the wheezing was still upper respirtory. However, she does have a sinus infection and ANOTHER EAR INFECTION! It's only her right ear and he showed me that it was starting to have drainage come out (very gross). He said that ear drops might be enough for the ear infection, but it wouldn't help with the sinus infection, so he was going to put her back on an oral antibiotic. He picked one of the 5 previous ones she'd been on.
So, after another copay and 2 prescriptions I'm slightly discouraged. It's been 4 weeks (tomorrow) since she had the tubes put in. Plus she's only been off the antibiotics prescribed at the hospital for a week and a half. He did say this is a bad time of year for ear infections, plus the sinus infection was causing extra drainage, so we have to wait and see if she's going to have more problems. However, an ear infection after the tubes isn't a good sign.
So far the big surgery seems to have not been that helpful. While her cleft if mostly repaired, there is still a hole we're going to have to deal with in some fashion. Plus the tubes didn't prevent this ear infection. Don't forget our bonus case of pneumonia and strep from the hospital stay. Regardless, she's worth all the hassle and I just feel bad that she has to go through all this. Hopefully, the hole will close and this ear infection is just a fluke and soon life will get back to normal.
The rest of this week is busy for me. Tomorrow (Thursday) I have another appointment with Dr. L (my surgeon). She's doing a check-up and had ordered a mammogram and CBC to be done before our appointment. I'm also hoping to get a concrete timeline on when I'll be starting radiation. I've got some other questions to ask her about diet and exercise restrictions. Friday is my last round of chemo. Yahoo! Danialle is coming in tomorrow and will go along with me. While, I'll still have to go in every 3 weeks for Herceptin, the chemo part will be done. That's a big step. Ok, it's getting late and I need to head to bed. I'll update tomorrow on my appointment with Dr. L.
Today Eric and I decided to split the day. I stayed home with her this morning and he came home at lunch and I went in to work. During my half of the day, I took her to the doctor. She's had cold symptoms for several days (runny nose that crusts over at night). This weekend she started coughing too and not sleeping so well. Tuesday she started wheezing a bit while she breathes. The doctor seemed concerned that she might not have gotten over her pneumonia, although I was pretty sure that this was a new illness. It wasn't her normal doctor though, and her chart didn't have her original chest x-ray from the hospital, so he didn't realize the follow-up x-ray had shown an improvement. Anyway, he checked her lungs and said they sounded good, that the wheezing was still upper respirtory. However, she does have a sinus infection and ANOTHER EAR INFECTION! It's only her right ear and he showed me that it was starting to have drainage come out (very gross). He said that ear drops might be enough for the ear infection, but it wouldn't help with the sinus infection, so he was going to put her back on an oral antibiotic. He picked one of the 5 previous ones she'd been on.
So, after another copay and 2 prescriptions I'm slightly discouraged. It's been 4 weeks (tomorrow) since she had the tubes put in. Plus she's only been off the antibiotics prescribed at the hospital for a week and a half. He did say this is a bad time of year for ear infections, plus the sinus infection was causing extra drainage, so we have to wait and see if she's going to have more problems. However, an ear infection after the tubes isn't a good sign.
So far the big surgery seems to have not been that helpful. While her cleft if mostly repaired, there is still a hole we're going to have to deal with in some fashion. Plus the tubes didn't prevent this ear infection. Don't forget our bonus case of pneumonia and strep from the hospital stay. Regardless, she's worth all the hassle and I just feel bad that she has to go through all this. Hopefully, the hole will close and this ear infection is just a fluke and soon life will get back to normal.
The rest of this week is busy for me. Tomorrow (Thursday) I have another appointment with Dr. L (my surgeon). She's doing a check-up and had ordered a mammogram and CBC to be done before our appointment. I'm also hoping to get a concrete timeline on when I'll be starting radiation. I've got some other questions to ask her about diet and exercise restrictions. Friday is my last round of chemo. Yahoo! Danialle is coming in tomorrow and will go along with me. While, I'll still have to go in every 3 weeks for Herceptin, the chemo part will be done. That's a big step. Ok, it's getting late and I need to head to bed. I'll update tomorrow on my appointment with Dr. L.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
No More Bottles
Today was Grace's first day of using a sippy cup only. Now that she's back on regular foods, we decided that she didn't need her bottles anymore. It wasn't very difficult either. She has been using her cup alot, so I just gave it to her at every meal and didn't give her the bottle. I was concerned about her evening bottle, because she usually takes it and dozes off before heading off for her bath and to bed, but she didn't seem to mind that she didn't have it tonight. We'll see how tomorrow goes. I haven't thrown out her bottles yet, but I think I will throw away most of them. Maybe I'll keep a few for another week or so, just in case, but I think we'll be ok. Just in case your wondering why we don't keep the bottles for baby #2...I'm hoping baby #2 will be using regular bottles. I hope we don't have a need for her special bottles again. I may keep one as a keepsake, but hopefully, I never have to squeeze another bottle again.
In other Grace news...she's so awesome. It seems like she's changed so much since her surgery. She's really acting like a toddler. She has a such a sense of humor. She loves to be chased or scared. She likes to be upside down and do "flips." She's been exerting her temper more too. She's had several all out fits lately. I'm talking kicking and screaming. I try not to give her much attention when she does that.
She's been really progressing vocally too. She still isn't saying "Da-da", but one time she followed Eric in the kitchen and yelled something at him. It didn't have a "d" sound, but I'm pretty sure it was her word for Dada. She still says "Oooh" for Zeus and says Mama all the time. She's started putting her hand up to her ear and saying "ah-wa" when you get on the phone, which I think means hello. I think she tried to say Grandma yesterday too. We were looking at a picture book and there was a picture of my Mom and she said "Mom-Mom."
Last week she got her 5th tooth. It was the one next to her front teeth on the right. Today I noticed that she had #6. It was on the left, but way in the back. I'm not sure which one, but definately farther back than the canines. It's out of order, but it's definately there. You can feel it and see the white.
I love her so much. She is so awesome. I love being her Mom and wish that we could have started on #2 next month as originally planned. All things happen for a reason though, so I'll spend the next two years enjoying Grace and hope that I'll have a chance to do it all over again.
In other Grace news...she's so awesome. It seems like she's changed so much since her surgery. She's really acting like a toddler. She has a such a sense of humor. She loves to be chased or scared. She likes to be upside down and do "flips." She's been exerting her temper more too. She's had several all out fits lately. I'm talking kicking and screaming. I try not to give her much attention when she does that.
She's been really progressing vocally too. She still isn't saying "Da-da", but one time she followed Eric in the kitchen and yelled something at him. It didn't have a "d" sound, but I'm pretty sure it was her word for Dada. She still says "Oooh" for Zeus and says Mama all the time. She's started putting her hand up to her ear and saying "ah-wa" when you get on the phone, which I think means hello. I think she tried to say Grandma yesterday too. We were looking at a picture book and there was a picture of my Mom and she said "Mom-Mom."
Last week she got her 5th tooth. It was the one next to her front teeth on the right. Today I noticed that she had #6. It was on the left, but way in the back. I'm not sure which one, but definately farther back than the canines. It's out of order, but it's definately there. You can feel it and see the white.
I love her so much. She is so awesome. I love being her Mom and wish that we could have started on #2 next month as originally planned. All things happen for a reason though, so I'll spend the next two years enjoying Grace and hope that I'll have a chance to do it all over again.
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