February 28, 2012

I walked outside today and was amazed at how warm it is. Feels like spring!
I went to the eye doctor yesterday, and again they did more tests. I hate when they probe into my eyes, especially with the bright lights. Their opinion is most likely it's residual damage from radiation treatments. At this time the effect on my vision does not warrant any treatment. I will be reassessed in 3 months.
Tomorrow, I will see my Oncologist. I will update you on that visit in the next couple of days.
XXOO

Happy Valentines Day 2012

I can't believe it's already February. I've been feeling pretty good other than the stomach aches. They are usually a warning sign that I will be getting sick soon. I saw my oncologist and things look good. My headaches could be caused from the herniated disc at the top my spine.

I went to my optometrist to upgrade my glasses. She did a bunch of tests on my eyes and found my left eye to have some abnormal shadows. I have an appointment next week to see a specialist. There's a round circle behind the cornea and a bunch a little shadows scattered around near the nerves. I talked to my aunt and was told my uncle actually just had surgery on his eye for cancer. The surgery went well other than leaving his eyelid limp. He had to go back and have surgery on the eye lid. He's doing good. I think what they are looking for on me is either cancer or diabetes. I will keep you informed.

Jack and I are dealing with colds today. Jack is so funny, he hates his nose running and having to keep blowing it. He wadded up some tissue, put it up to his nose and taped it on his face. I wish I had a camera, he looks so silly. Unfortunately, I think I got my cold front him. He would sneakingly slide into bed next to me at night.

We are looking forward to next weekend where we will be up north visiting my parents. I have signed up for the relay of life. I will be walking for cancer in June. If anybody wants to sponsor me or join the team, you can go to relay for life.com caring for Cathy. I'm pretty sure this is what you need to do. If not, let me know.

Well I need to go check on my little man. I will keep you updated on my condition. Again, I would like to thank everyone for the prayers. I appreciate everything and take nothing for granted. Nikki Nolte thank you for calling me every day and checking up on me. You are a great friend and I cherish our friendship. Jen Klick, thank you for being such a good friend. I like getting together with you and doing crafts. I just wish we lived closer. All right again soon, thanks again everybody. Love, Cathy

I wish I knew.......

Somedays I feel so good, I find myself laughing for no reason. Otherdays, I feel very, very tired. I started to think about what happens when you've reached the last days of life. Don't get me wrong I will never give up, was just wondering.

Happy New Year 2012

Wow, I can't believe it's been 1 1/2 years since I've written. I guess I have a lot of catching up to do. I guess the best way to write this would be to start from the beginning.

I was diagnosed with cancer in May 1st of 2008. The cancer was located in my left breast, 11 lymph nodes, my spine, and my brain. I was considered stage four with aggressive cancer. I had radiation for as long as the doctors would let me. Then I was put on chemo, which I am still on. The only difference is I am no longer on liquid chemo where I have to be in the office to receive it three times a week. I take a chemo pill three times in the morning and three times at night. It basically has the same side effects as the liquid.

The doctors removed my breast, and all my lymph nodes. They are unable to remove any lesions in the brain as there are too many. They are unable to remove the lesion in my spine, which is in my fourth or fifth vertebrae. If they attempted to remove the lesions in my spine I could very possibly become a paraplegic. Later on, I was diagnosed with cancer in my liver. Since then it has disappeared. So at this time, I have no cancer in my breast, lymph nodes, or my liver. The two cancers, brain and spine, will probably never go away completely. I have to keep taking x-rays to make sure the cancer is not spreading or getting bigger. I have been lucky as they seem to be not getting any worse. I was then diagnosed with a herniated disc near the lesion in my spine. This causes me to have headaches. Excedrin seems to help.

As far as the medications I am on, I do have different side effects. To me they are minor as they seem to be working. I will do whatever it takes to be with my family and friends. I will not give up. As far as the symptoms, I have lost a lot hearing, eyesight, balance, and I'm still a little bald. I do suffer from exhaustion and tend to get tired easily. If I get a burst of energy I use it to my fullest advantage. I do get stomach cramps and nausea. My husband, Mark, does do the cooking. He does however forget that my taste buds have changed. I cannot handle any hot spiced food, and have difficulty with just pepper.

As of right now I feel I'm at a standstill. I am on the same medication and see my doctor once a month, he checks all my levels and my reaction to the meds. Every six months, I either have a mammogram (half off, get it? ), MRIs, or pet scans. I totally trust my doctor and his PA. My doctors claim I'm a miracle. The mastistic cancer and stage I was diagnosed with made them feel I pretty much was a lost cause. My doctor confessed to me he didn't think I would have become a survivor this long. But, I'll never forgot he told me we had lots of options. He claims there had to be intervention. I know that intervention he is talking about is with the Lord Jesus Christ. I know I need to think my family, friends, and their friends, and even strangers, and their friends, for all the prayers they have sent my way. Thak you all!!!

Overall, I have to say this is not an easy journey, because I think about it every day. I try not to worry, as the load I carry is not so heavy with Jesus Christ by my side. I look on the brighter side everyday and tell myself it could've been worse. I will try to keep up my blog and keep you, my friends, updated.


As of right now, I still deal wth the symthoms everyday, never knowing which one will present itself. I do like surprises, lol. I take my meds, eat right, get rest, and try to live each day to the fullest.


I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy, wonderful New Year.
I love you all,

Cath

Summer is almost over

Well the tests came back. I have another lesion in my liver. I am back on the chemo, unfortunately with the side effects slowing me down. I have hand and feet syndrome where my hands and feet get red and very sore. I am unable to walk. I also get nauseous a lot more often. Because of the side effects, I have to go off the chemo for 3-5 days and then start over. The Dr. would like me to be on the meds for 2 weeks straight and then off 1 week. I'm lucky if I make it 5 days in a row.
I have been very busy this summer. I went to Ct. to visit my friend Alice. My cousin Carrie went with me. We had so much fun. I visited New York, it was wonderful, and surprising to many of my friends. the people were very friendly. In 3 weeks I will be joining my cousins, Vicki and Sue, for a trip to Hawaii. Vicki has time share she needs to use or loose. We can't let that happen now can we.
Jack started 1st grade. Its been difficult so far, he cries for mom. It just breaks my heart.
Ok, Friends and family, I need more prayers . 1st my son, Alex. I want him to change the facility he resides at. I am not happy with them. I cry when I see Alex, he looks so skinny. He shakes constantly. They don't return my calls. I want him out. Unfortunately, he is ready to leave but there are no facilities with openings. I would like him to be a resident of Clearbrook.
2nd, my friend and neighbor was surprised to be diagnosed with breast cancer 3 weeks ago. She is getting ready to begin treatment. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed yesterday with lung cancer. She is very scared. I want her to know her faith can carry her through the difficult days. Once she accepts the disease she will find it easier to cope. She needs to believe and be positive. She is only 30. Please pray for her to get the guidance she needs to believe she can beat this. I also pray that her family gives her the hope and care she will need during the coming months. I know all the prayers I've received from you all over the years has got me through some of the worse days and I thank you.
Enjoy the last month or so of summer and enjoy fall.
Love you all, Cathy

July 2010

Happy Summer Everyone
I am doing OK. I joined a new church and I am very excited about it. I am on the Chemo for the cancer in my Liver. It has alot more side effects than the IV. I am on it for 2 weeks and off 1 week. The week I am off the chemo I still feel the effects. To me, I feel, that means it has to be working or I wouldn't feel anything. I will have a cat scan on Thursday of this week to see if the meds are working or we need to switch to something else. Doctors say we have lots of options, so that's promising. I have been so busy this summer, I can't believe its July already. Jack and I haven't even been to the pool yet. He will begin school in one month, 1st grade. I will keep everyone posted.

March 31, 2010

Well, Mark and I just got home from a visit to my parents home up north. They kept Jack for an extra day and will bring him home on Friday. He loves it up there. I am going to enjoy the quiet at some point. We got home about 2 hours ago and I already picked up the land mines in the yard, painted 1/2 the shed and now I am doing laundry. I can't seem to stop. I will see the Dr. tomorrow afternoon. My glucose levels are all over the place. I will have a pet scan because some other levels are up there. (I can't remember which ones) They also something is in my hip. We are not too concerned as I have no symthoms or pains. I guess I am a candidate for hip surgery. Oh well we'll worry about that another day. Overall I feel pretty good. I appreciate all the prayers. But could I ask for a favor. Could you please pray for Alex. I had a hard time taking him home on Sunday. He cried like I never saw him cry. It broke my heart. I have been unable to cry since my diagnosis and yet when I left Alex's I cried like a baby all the way home. He didn't want me to leave and kept saying mama. omg was it hard. Thank you all. Hugs and Kisses, Cath

March 16, 2010

Well I had another blood test. Results show my cholestrol is still high so I am still on medicine. My gluclose was high so they sent me home with a diabetes blood check kit. I test it everyday and it's still high. My mamo was good. My numbness in my right side and back is back. The cat scan showed nothing. I also had 4 MRI's, 3 were good, 1 showed my herniated disk in the top part of my spine is worse. I also have another lesion. That's about it. I feel great. The lympadema in my left arm is better and I hardly ever wear my sleeve. I will talk to the Dr this week and find out what they have in store for me. I've been busy with Jack. He just turned 6and is playing soccer. I'm looking forward to spring. Thank you for the prayers.
Cathy

February 2010

Tuesday I went to my GP and had blood drawn for several tests. On Friday, I went for my physical. I have high cholesterol so I'm on medication. In 4 week I will go back and get it drawn again and they will check my liver (?). The MRI test looked ok to him. He didn't say good but he didn't say bad either. I'm stable.
As a person who believes so much in prayer I was hoping I could ask for another favor. Could you pray for my son Alex. He was placed into an adult facility in Skokie on Sept. 1st. He had issues with other residents and was placed in a different home, in Skokie. Only about 10 days later he was moved again and is living in a different home in Des Plaines. Alex needs things to be routine. He is not having much time to settle in and he is moved again. Please pray that Alex settles down, relaxes, and accepts his new home as much as he loved RocVale. I really need him to be happy. Your prayers worked for me, I pray they will help Alex. Love you all, Cath

I'M STABLE

I had a MRI on Wednesday, and the results came in today. I have not talked to the Dr. yet but did have them fax me a copy of the report. To me, it basically says they are focusing on the cerebellum and right tonsil which is very vague in enhancement. There are no new lesions and the ones I have are not growing. It says I'm stable. I'm OK with that. I know they will never disappear so if they just stay the same that's ok. Now if you ask my husband if I'm stable, he may question that. I go in 2 weeks for a physical exam and blood work for any other cancers. If that's good I may go for Reconstruction. And baby, I will not waste the Dr. time on little ones, I want them BIG!!!! No I'm only joking I don't want to hurt my back now. I don't know what I'm gonna do. Thanks again for the prayers. Love you all. Cath

My Children

December 28, 2009

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I sure did. My children were over Christmas Eve, spent the night and we all woke up together about 8:30 for Christmas morning. Christmas, I went to my brothers home where some good friends showed up. My cousins were all there also. We have so much fun when we are together. I was feeling good but a little uncomfortable. I finally went to the PT and had some therapy and wrapping done on my arm. My arm was wrapped from my shoulder to my fingers. I never had a cast and feel sorry for anyone who has, talk about uncomfortable. The Lymphodema should eventually go down and the pain subside from my upper arm. I was fitted on Monday for a sleeve that goes from shoulder to my wrist and then I also have a glove that goes to my knuckles. They are called Compression sleeve and glove. I now do the therapy myself and can remove the wraps when I do dishes or take a shower. I see my Oncologist every 6 weeks for a port flush and check up. March I will have more MRI's done and the Dr's will look further into the abnormal sightings on my last tests to see if anything has changed. Hopefully what ever it was is gone. I totally lay my trust and faith in God's hands. Whatever happens will happen, all I can do is pray and take care of myself. I am confident I will be OK. My children need me, especially Jack who is 5 and Alex who is 22 and physically challenged.
I am happy, somewhat tired, but very happy. I hope everyone has a wonderful New Years. I also wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2010!!! Cath

December 1st, 2009

Well it's been a while. I forgot the password. I've been doing ok. Nothing bad just the same. Every 6 weeks I get my port flushed and blood work. Every 5-6 months I get tests and MRI's. Tuesday I start therapy for my arm. It's been a year and its still swollen and sore. The Dr. is fitting me a sleeve to help. I've been busy with the holidays and I am almost done with my shopping and will begin baking cookies. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. I will talk more next visit. I am pretty tired tonight.

October 13

Nothing is as good as the technology I am given and suppose to know how to work. I feel like a 2nd grader, really, when it comes to knowledge of the computer. Actually, 2nd graders know more then me. I have such problems getting on. Nothing is more frustrating then typing for 15 minutes then accidentally erasing it. Oh well.....now you know what I've been up to.
My Doctor found something in my female region but he isn't concerned at this point. He just thinks we need to keep an eye on it. Everything is stable nothing shrinking, but not getting bigger or spreading. I feel good. My hair is taking its time growing. The bangs, anyone who knows me, knows I always were bangs. Well they are not growing. I'm learning how to quilt and love it. I've been busy getting into a routine with Jack starting kindergarten and Alex moving from Rockford to Skokie. Jack and I workout 3 times a week, OK maybe 2 times on a good week, usually only once. I'm trying not to over due it, hahaha. I gained alot of weight with the meds I'm taking. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. I hope everyone is ready for winter, I am not. I am so sorry this update took so long to write. Forgive me.

September 4, 2009

I'm baaaack. I know what your thinking, omg it has'nt even been a month. Just an update. My Mamo is negative. I had a petscan today from eyes to thighs. I'll get results in 2-3 days. I have been busy learning how to quilt, and loosing 10 lbs. Quilting is easier. Hope everyone is enjoying the rest of the summer, its going quick.

Aug. 30, 2009

To keep everyone up on my health, I will start at the beginning, No I am just kidding. At the time I am waiting to get a Petscan, cervical MRI, Spine MRI, Mamogram reading, and see a therapist about the lympaderma in my arm. I am feeling good and positive. The chemo put me into early menopause. I thought I went through it a year ago when I started the drugs, no now that I am off the big drugs I am going through it, Hot flashes, Wow no fun. I've heard of some funny stories, I have none. I don't feel like myself, but I have to say I am truely happy. I love my family so much and have the best of friends. I've been busy the past two weeks, Jack started Kindergarten. Alex is moving to Skokie. I will take Alex to his new home on Sept. 1st.
Thank you for all your prayers. they must be working.

It's been too long

I am so sorry I haven't written in such a long time. When I signed on I couldn't remember Tara's code and couldn't believe how long its actually been. I have been busy.
I went to my parents up North for 2 weeks, not at the same time. Mark wouldn't have liked that. I had a garage sale, never again. I went to have my port flushed and it was clotted, I go now every 4 weeks instead of 6weeks. I took Jack to Wilderness Lodge in Wisconsin Dells and also Key Lime Cove, both times giving me a rash on the backs of my legs by the knee. (possible allergy to the high chlorine content) I haven't been on Chemo since my last posting. I just take some oral medicine. No side effects so far. I was tested to see about mutation and possible lesions in my other breast. I just got the results and I have no Mutation. Yeah..... I went into the Dr. office about 2 weeks ago cause I was getting dizzy spells and not good on my feet, turns out I was dehydrated. At this time I am battling a itchy rash from head to toe (literally). I had strep throat and had a reaction to it because my immunity is so low. Doctor said it will run its course which is about 3 months. It's awful and ugly!!! I was told to rub banana peel on my body, it helps heal. I ended up with 2 dogs and 2 cats in bed with me, guess I smelled really good. Just joking, no cats. The dogs always sleep with me if Mark doesn't shoo them off. I was put on another drug Thurs. I tested high for some hormone and they want this drug (can't remember name) to help warn off any possible cancer cells . My hair coming in, slowly. It's gray and curly.
I bought my first prosthetic to the tune of $300. Ouch. I will have one and eventually get another. It's not like I have to worry about it growing back, Ha ha.
My cousins and I went today and got pedicures and manicures. It was fun and I feel good. My body and head are not me but my hands and feet look pretty good. In the past several months I have learned how truly nice people can be. I have the best friends and family in the world. I am so lucky!!!! I really want to thank everyone for the flowers, dinners, babysitting, driving Miss Cathy all over the state, cards, and especially the thoughts and prayers. Thank you again, I love you all.

Off Chemo

I went to the Dr. for chemo and he suggested since lately everything looks good to go on a hiatus for 1 month. Too much chemo could cause leukemia anyway. It will be nice to maybe feel normal on Easter. Actually I've been felling good lately, I even attempted to clean the basement. haha. I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter. I am looking for to seeing the whole family and having a nice brunch.

March 28, 2009

Well my test came back negative. Which is great but I still have blood in my urine. We think it might be from a UTI I have. It could also have been from a stone I passed. What a nice subject Huh? Pretty embarrassing actually. I feel good. No more backaches, hardly any headaches, no migraines, I hope I'm not jinxing myself. My next appointment is Thurs for chemo and Fri to see Dr. A and check the blood situation.
I'm going out on the town tonight. Marks or as the music industry calls him, Skeeter, his band is playing tonight at Sundance Saloon. I plan to party hard. I'll probably be ready to sleep at 9:00 when the band starts. Its pretty funny to watch me dance. I've always loved to dance and now I don't quite have my balance and a couple times I almost landed on my butt but caught myself.
Someone should come with a camera. We could win 10,000. on home videos. Never know what could happen if I have a drink and dance. Just joking, if it gets bad I won't get off my chair.
I can't remember if I asked this or not, but does anyone know a yellow or chocolate AKC lab looking for a relationship with my Black Betty?
Well time to go play Candy Land with Jack. Again.
Spring is on it's way, yahoo.