Aug.3 08

There is really nothing new. I am on the same treatments. I do seem to get a burst of energy one day and spend the next exausted. I will be getting all my treatments through IV's as the pills were making me too nauscious. I had a headache that lasted 3 days so I was put on another steriod and had a MRI. The MRI didn't show anything different. I have to call the surgeon to check on the breast and what I need to decide regarding a masectomy. I haven't been as witty as I usually am but I really am still holding positive. I posted a picture of me wearing a favorite wig. Its red with brown and blond highlights. There also is a picture of me with my cousins, which I consider my sisters. I don't know what I would do without them./div>

Continuing the Chemo

Sorry I haven't kept the blog up to date. I had another triple dose of chemo on Friday (7-10-08) and its kinda knocked me out a little. I will go to the clinic for triple does of Chemo on Fridays and every day in between I'll just take Chemo at home 3x a day. This will be for two weeks then off one week. The Chemo has made me talk a little goofy, like, saying what I don't mean but what I happen to be looking at. I also don't hear or see quite as good. (nothing to be concerned about) I also am getting sick on this dose. No pain though and other then the minor symthoms I feel good. Oh, and they took my driving privledges away again. Oh well, I was getting used to being chauffered anyway, maybe I should start sitting in the back seat. I don't think sooo. I do wear the wig when I go out somewhere nice but usually just wear my GI Jane hat. I'll get some pictures of me with the wig on the next blog I need Tara's help.
Just something I wish to share.
I was on the couch for 3 days with a pain behind my right eye among other pains in the stomach, neck etc... I do get migraines so I just chalked this up to a migraine.
My Mom sat next to me and gave me my Grandmas rosary. I haven't prayed the rosary in years so she gave me the book. While I was just laying there I decide to do the rosary. When I was done I got up, went to get a drink of water, went back to the couch and guess what the pain was gone. To this day it has not come back. I prayed that the pain in my eye would go away and I would deal with the other pains and it was gone. Just something I wanted to share. The power of prayer.
Again, I can't that you all enough for the meals, flowers, thoughts and prayers.
Love ya all- Cath

New MRI results

GOOD NEWS! Cathy received the results of the latest bunch of MRI's that were done and...

1) No new spots were revealed
2) The larger spots seemed to be a bit smaller
3) The smaller spots weren't bigger

I'm sure she'll be posting soon, but good news needs to be shared IMMEDIATELY.

I hope you all had a happy and safe 4th of July!

UPDATE 6-24-07

Well First, I know everyone wants to know how the benefit went. Unfortunately, it rained at the beginning and I think it scared alot of riders, also a couple bike clubs cancelled. I was at the beginning, registration, and wouldn't be able to stop talking about how generous everyone was that did show. I missed most of the show at the end. The Children from RocVale showed and loved the band "Easy Louise". I heard they were dancing and having a ball. Of course, Alex doesn't dance, he would rather sit and hug the pretty girls. Overall, the profit for bikes came to around $ 4500.00
not counting the 34 bike helmets that were donated. I can't thank everyone that helped me enough.
Second, I have 4 more days of Chemo left. Then I have 14 days off. I will still have the chemicals in my system even though I won't be given them. The last few days I have been feeling not quite myself, but ok none the less. This Friday I get blood work done to check my counts. Next Monday and Wed. I go to Evanston to see Dr. Nina and have 4 MRI's done. On the 8th I get the results. Thanks again for the wonderful meals and all the prayers. Cath

STARTING CHEMO

Well... On Friday I started Chemo. At the Doctor's, I received 2 IVs of Chemo Medicine and 1 of medicine for side effects. At home I take 3 tablets of Chemo a day for 14 days. I will not go back to the clinic for more IV Chemo till this Friday. After the 14 days I will take 14 days off, then repeat. The Dr. is keeping me on the prednisone and Keppra (seizure med), along with my synthroid and other meds. I had to start writing times and check marks as I was getting confused. I do have my head shaved which is really comfortable. I have not worn my wig yet as the radiation is still causing my head to be sore some. I have an army green hat I wear and Mark calls me Beetle Bailey if not Chemo sabe.... I cut Jacks hair today and he asked that I don't cut it as short as mine, haha. He prays every night that Mommy's headaches go away. My Cousins took him for two days and he had a ball. Never asking for me once, a little sad but at the same time shows how much fun he had. By the end of the month I should have another MRI to see where we stand on the chemo and radiation, also more info on the mastectomy. Oh and good news, I do have some feeling back in the numbness on my right side. (feels like pins and needles)
Other then being tired, I feel good. Thanks again for your good thoughts and prayers. Cath

RESULTS

I got back the results from the PET scan, all good, no other cancer other than what they knew about. (breast, spine, brain) I will begin Chemo on Friday. I will start on 3 different chemo meds and another to help with side effects from the medication. They don't think they will need a port as I have very good veins. The only bad thing is they predict most patients to get sick around 7-10 days after 1st dose, 9 days after 1st dose is my benefit rally for Alex. I am determined not to get sick.
I also got my head shaved, oh boy. I can't stop rubbing my hands over my head. I wear an army green Tony Hawk hat and feel like GI Jane. I feel so open, I think I use to hide behind my hair. I always wore it long and with it around my face. Now all you see is face a fat round one because of the meds. I have the pudgy cheeks every mother wants to pinch.
Thanks again for all the prayers.
Cathy

UPDATE BUT NOT REALLY.....

I don't even know where to begin... I am just in shock over all the concern and support that I have received. I have been sent so many well wishes that I feel like the luckiest person on Earth, other than the illness of course, haha. Well, I have begun to loose my hair, FAST, and yes I do have an awesome wig. I actually also have a real cool hat I may just wear and save the wig for my fun nights out. Wait fun nights out, whats that??? I have been busy putting the ending touches on the Bikers for Bikes benefit for June 22. I am determined to make it a success. Alex misses me and has asked for me alot, even refusing to participate in the Special Olympics because I didn't show... I haven't seen him since I was diagnosed. I finished the Radiation treatments and had a pet scan Thursday pm, no results yet. On Monday, they want to discuss the chemo. treatments. My Oncologist wants to talk about the treatments with the radiolgist and Dr. Nina at Evanston before making a descision. My head still baffles him, as many others, haha. Over all I feel good, other then the headaches and fatigue. The fatigue is worse, cause I have so much to do, I don't like sitting. I am a woman who hates to feel like something else is controling her. I want to thank my family and friends, old and new,for the amazing support they have given me, it means so much! Cath