I started blogging my stuff late, hence the 2 blog sites. Link to:
Random Thoughts of a Cancer Survivor here.
Random Thoughts of a Cancer Survivor here.
Thursday, 5 July 2007
The Karma Wheel Starts to Turn
They caught the crooks....kinda. Posted May 15, 2007
Well....finally some good news for Mother's Day!!! (Those of you remember Mother's Day 2001 don't you??? When I slipped & fell at work and dislocated & broke my right shoulder and arm????) Anyway....I digress...this Mother's Day was good. Not fantastic, but I'll take good any day....considering my options lately!
We got a call from the police when we got back home from taking my adoptive mom-in-law out for lunch....they recovered some of our stuff!!! Yipee!!!
Went to the police station (CVPD) to identify the stuff they recovered...I now know too much about how to catalog evidence. About half the stuff they recovered from this tweeker's room was from my family. All the family jewelry was GONE, baby, GONE. They knew their stuff...they got into the safe and just weeded out the good stuff. I got left with all the sentimental, but not worth very much stuff. On the bright side, the one guy they busted had about half of the stolen savings bonds hidden in his room, so we can definitely get him for receiving stolen goods. I also got left with 3 empty Patron bottles in a beautiful broken display case.
Later yesterday afternoon, the detective called me to meet him at a pawn shop and HOOORAY!!! we recovered my dad's diamond ring. Unfortunately...in order to get it back, my brother and I will have to pay the pawnshop owners $600...the money they had paid the deadbeat tweaker who had pawned it.
Well...I said the Karma Wheel had started to turn on the evil-doers....I didn't say that it was a very fast wheel, or that it was an always fair wheel...just that it has started to turn...and in the right direction!
Well...that's it from here....will keep you posted with more....if you want. If you want off this merry-go-round, just let me know and I'll take you off the mailing list!
Love to all,
Mel
Well....finally some good news for Mother's Day!!! (Those of you remember Mother's Day 2001 don't you??? When I slipped & fell at work and dislocated & broke my right shoulder and arm????) Anyway....I digress...this Mother's Day was good. Not fantastic, but I'll take good any day....considering my options lately!
We got a call from the police when we got back home from taking my adoptive mom-in-law out for lunch....they recovered some of our stuff!!! Yipee!!!
Went to the police station (CVPD) to identify the stuff they recovered...I now know too much about how to catalog evidence. About half the stuff they recovered from this tweeker's room was from my family. All the family jewelry was GONE, baby, GONE. They knew their stuff...they got into the safe and just weeded out the good stuff. I got left with all the sentimental, but not worth very much stuff. On the bright side, the one guy they busted had about half of the stolen savings bonds hidden in his room, so we can definitely get him for receiving stolen goods. I also got left with 3 empty Patron bottles in a beautiful broken display case.
Later yesterday afternoon, the detective called me to meet him at a pawn shop and HOOORAY!!! we recovered my dad's diamond ring. Unfortunately...in order to get it back, my brother and I will have to pay the pawnshop owners $600...the money they had paid the deadbeat tweaker who had pawned it.
Well...I said the Karma Wheel had started to turn on the evil-doers....I didn't say that it was a very fast wheel, or that it was an always fair wheel...just that it has started to turn...and in the right direction!
Well...that's it from here....will keep you posted with more....if you want. If you want off this merry-go-round, just let me know and I'll take you off the mailing list!
Love to all,
Mel
Okay...Now I'm Just Pissed Off!
Not handling the 2nd break-in in 11 days very well. Not well at all. Posted May 10, 2007
I'm tired of looking at the bright side. I'm tired of being helpless. The 3rd time isn't "the charm"...oh, no...the 3rd time is the straw that breaks the camel's back. Our house was hit for the 3rd time in 2 years (the 2nd time in less than 2 weeks) tonight. I didn't know that there was anything of value left, but I suppose that any lowlife thief can find value in anything.
They broke in through the garage and crowbarred through the door to the kitchen. I guess there is just no stopping someone determined to steal from you. I'm just glad no one was at home to get hurt. 2 years ago, I surprised them while they were still there and almost ran into them face-to-face. I guess bars on your doors and windows just aren't enough of a deterrent anymore.
My neighbor was taking his trash to the curb tonight when 2 guys came running out of the house with 2 big boxes of stuff. The last time this happened (April 29th) I was very despondent and weepy...now I'm just PISSED OFF!!! If they ever catch those guys, I have a size 8 clog I'd like them to meet in the most intimate of ways. As it is, I am a total believer in "what goes around, comes around" and when Karmic justice catches up to these thieves, special parts of them will be rotting and falling off suddenly, much to their shock and dismay.
Anyway...just venting....thanks for putting up with my rant.
Love,
Mel
I'm tired of looking at the bright side. I'm tired of being helpless. The 3rd time isn't "the charm"...oh, no...the 3rd time is the straw that breaks the camel's back. Our house was hit for the 3rd time in 2 years (the 2nd time in less than 2 weeks) tonight. I didn't know that there was anything of value left, but I suppose that any lowlife thief can find value in anything.
They broke in through the garage and crowbarred through the door to the kitchen. I guess there is just no stopping someone determined to steal from you. I'm just glad no one was at home to get hurt. 2 years ago, I surprised them while they were still there and almost ran into them face-to-face. I guess bars on your doors and windows just aren't enough of a deterrent anymore.
My neighbor was taking his trash to the curb tonight when 2 guys came running out of the house with 2 big boxes of stuff. The last time this happened (April 29th) I was very despondent and weepy...now I'm just PISSED OFF!!! If they ever catch those guys, I have a size 8 clog I'd like them to meet in the most intimate of ways. As it is, I am a total believer in "what goes around, comes around" and when Karmic justice catches up to these thieves, special parts of them will be rotting and falling off suddenly, much to their shock and dismay.
Anyway...just venting....thanks for putting up with my rant.
Love,
Mel
Hoping to Go Back to Work...SOON!
After nearly a year...back to the grindstone. Surprisingly, I've missed it! Posted May 6, 2007
Hey Folks....
In the final stages of healing (I hope!)...had a busy weekend trying to clean up after the latest (devastating) break-in at the old homestead and get on with life.
Missing work, coworkers and just old-fashioned one-on-one, face-to-face interaction so I made the big step of contacting work and asking to come back July 1st...part-time at first, but hopefully back to full-time soon...we shall see!
Anyway...wish me luck. Even though I look forward to getting back to the unit...I'm a little leery of being up all night, 12 hours at a time...I'm kinda used to dropping off at least by 0400!!!
Love to all...and hope to see you soon...
Mel
In the final stages of healing (I hope!)...had a busy weekend trying to clean up after the latest (devastating) break-in at the old homestead and get on with life.
Missing work, coworkers and just old-fashioned one-on-one, face-to-face interaction so I made the big step of contacting work and asking to come back July 1st...part-time at first, but hopefully back to full-time soon...we shall see!
Anyway...wish me luck. Even though I look forward to getting back to the unit...I'm a little leery of being up all night, 12 hours at a time...I'm kinda used to dropping off at least by 0400!!!
Love to all...and hope to see you soon...
Mel
Perspective On Life
Getting robbed sucks! Posted April 29, 2007
Ahoy Folks....
It's me again...Just trying to wrap my head around the weirdness of life. I have been dealing well with this whole cancer thing...or so I have been told, but then things happen that isn't even life-threatening, and here I am trying not to fall completely into a funk and cry my eyes out.
I have been living with my brother and sister-in-law since the end of chemotherapy around the end of November 2006. The house we grew up in has been locked up and we only go by every so often, well....I was awoken this morning by my aunt who had been contacted by the police to say that we had had a break-in and they needed us to confirm what had been taken.
How thieves stole a huge floor safe, I don't know. But besides all the important paperwork that was taken, all sentimental family jewelry is gone, too. I know...I am thankful...yet again...that no one was hurt, and it is just "stuff", but strangely enough I feel more devastated by this than with the fact that I had breast cancer and have had 4 major surgeries in 10 months. I feel raped...totally violated...not physically but definitely psychically...emotionally.
My karma has got to change for the good sometime...soon I hope.
Anyway...I just needed to get this off my chest before it ate me up completely and sent me running to the shrink.
Love to all,
Mel
P.S. Please, please, please be diligent about doing your booby checks. And boys...make sure you check your boys as well as your boobies, too!
It's me again...Just trying to wrap my head around the weirdness of life. I have been dealing well with this whole cancer thing...or so I have been told, but then things happen that isn't even life-threatening, and here I am trying not to fall completely into a funk and cry my eyes out.
I have been living with my brother and sister-in-law since the end of chemotherapy around the end of November 2006. The house we grew up in has been locked up and we only go by every so often, well....I was awoken this morning by my aunt who had been contacted by the police to say that we had had a break-in and they needed us to confirm what had been taken.
How thieves stole a huge floor safe, I don't know. But besides all the important paperwork that was taken, all sentimental family jewelry is gone, too. I know...I am thankful...yet again...that no one was hurt, and it is just "stuff", but strangely enough I feel more devastated by this than with the fact that I had breast cancer and have had 4 major surgeries in 10 months. I feel raped...totally violated...not physically but definitely psychically...emotionally.
My karma has got to change for the good sometime...soon I hope.
Anyway...I just needed to get this off my chest before it ate me up completely and sent me running to the shrink.
Love to all,
Mel
P.S. Please, please, please be diligent about doing your booby checks. And boys...make sure you check your boys as well as your boobies, too!
Home From the Hospital...AGAIN
No one ever said it was going to be easy. Back-to-back blogs after my hysterectomy.
After the weekend...Posted April 23, 2007
Hey Folks....
Thanks for all the well wishes. As for the pain level...I survived the weekend on my Ibuprofen....HAH! But ended up calling my doc this afternoon (Mon 04/23) and asking for some help with the pain control (who am I kidding....I was close to begging), so it's a bit better.
I know for a fact that I could never be a Marine...or any other type of military personnel...I'd give away national secrets with the slightest threat of physical pain. Mental pain I can do...physical...forget it!
Anyway...everyone take care of themselves so you don't have to go through any of this yourself....have you felt yourself up lately???
Love,
Mel
White-knuckled weekend...Posted April 22, 2007
After the weekend...Posted April 23, 2007
Hey Folks....
Thanks for all the well wishes. As for the pain level...I survived the weekend on my Ibuprofen....HAH! But ended up calling my doc this afternoon (Mon 04/23) and asking for some help with the pain control (who am I kidding....I was close to begging), so it's a bit better.
I know for a fact that I could never be a Marine...or any other type of military personnel...I'd give away national secrets with the slightest threat of physical pain. Mental pain I can do...physical...forget it!
Anyway...everyone take care of themselves so you don't have to go through any of this yourself....have you felt yourself up lately???
Love,
Mel
White-knuckled weekend...Posted April 22, 2007
Ahoy All....
Got home from the hospital on Thursday night around 8pm. Went in on Monday afternoon (04/16) to get all my "girlie things" removed. I guess I did great during surgery, but I kinda scared them afterwards because I was waaaaaaaay under and liking the sleep too much. Ended up on the telemetry floor post-op on bipap because they didn't like the way I didn't want breathe....ooops! Breathing was okay once all the nice anesthesia wore off....then the FUN began!!!
They forgot to tell me that they sutured my abdomen to my leg....or at least that is what it felt like. A full bladder now has a feeling all its own. And let me tell you....never, and I do mean NEVER get abdominal surgery when you have a cough!!!! Nnnnnaaaaaahhhhhhooooowwwwhhhharrrrrggghhhh!!!!!! That whole thing about splinting the wound when you cough to lessen the pain???? HA! Who makes this stuff up?
Anyway...after 3 days of getting nice pain meds every 4-6 hours, I went home....on Ibuprophen (yes...that would be Motrin or Advil)....every 8 hours. Yeah.....uh.....are ya trying to drive yer patients to drink???? My poor baby brother drove me home in his nice Element; unfortunately for both of us, the Element has a suspension like an off-road vehicle. It found every little crease, wrinkle and divot on the road home; according to my brother I kinda lost my healthy color on the 1st couple of turns. It's a toss up on who was the more stressed out, him or me. At least I had meds to take once I got back home....he doesn't even take Tylenol.
But now everything is almost back to normal. Still a lot more pain than I'm used to, but it's getting better. Oh and to those of you who didn't already know....passing gas is considered the essential 5th vital sign; be smart and do all you can to pass the test on your own....or your doctor will find all sorts of colorful ways to "help" you out.
Love to all,
Mel
Got home from the hospital on Thursday night around 8pm. Went in on Monday afternoon (04/16) to get all my "girlie things" removed. I guess I did great during surgery, but I kinda scared them afterwards because I was waaaaaaaay under and liking the sleep too much. Ended up on the telemetry floor post-op on bipap because they didn't like the way I didn't want breathe....ooops! Breathing was okay once all the nice anesthesia wore off....then the FUN began!!!
They forgot to tell me that they sutured my abdomen to my leg....or at least that is what it felt like. A full bladder now has a feeling all its own. And let me tell you....never, and I do mean NEVER get abdominal surgery when you have a cough!!!! Nnnnnaaaaaahhhhhhooooowwwwhhhha
Anyway...after 3 days of getting nice pain meds every 4-6 hours, I went home....on Ibuprophen (yes...that would be Motrin or Advil)....every 8 hours. Yeah.....uh.....are ya trying to drive yer patients to drink???? My poor baby brother drove me home in his nice Element; unfortunately for both of us, the Element has a suspension like an off-road vehicle. It found every little crease, wrinkle and divot on the road home; according to my brother I kinda lost my healthy color on the 1st couple of turns. It's a toss up on who was the more stressed out, him or me. At least I had meds to take once I got back home....he doesn't even take Tylenol.
But now everything is almost back to normal. Still a lot more pain than I'm used to, but it's getting better. Oh and to those of you who didn't already know....passing gas is considered the essential 5th vital sign; be smart and do all you can to pass the test on your own....or your doctor will find all sorts of colorful ways to "help" you out.
Love to all,
Mel
Vanity Does Not Become Me
Vanity proves painful. Posted April 10, 2007
I was beginning to wonder why I was taking so long to decide whether or not to do breast reconstruciton surgery after my cancer treatment. I was very ambivalent about the whole thing.
Did I really need to have "breasts"? What was the big deal? Did I want to put myself through MORE surgery, and this time for cosmetic reasons?
Well...I finally decided to go ahead and start the process after much discussions with various friends of mine, both female and male, and had the skin expanders placed and the surgical flap revised (removal of old scar tissue and such). That was on Monday. I vaguely recall coming out of the OR and asking my nurse "Why did I decide to do this again???"
I can honestly say that this surgery was way more painful than my intial bilateral mastectomy. Probably because of all the removal of scar tissue and adhesions, but.....OUCH!!! If I had this knowledge beforehand, I cannot honestly say that I would make the same decision. Everyone was very nice at the hospital and I can't say that they weren't on top of my pain....as much as they could be without knocking me out completely again, but mmmmmm....let's just say that I'm not looking forward to the next surgery!!! Boobs or no boobs!
Love,
Mel
Did I really need to have "breasts"? What was the big deal? Did I want to put myself through MORE surgery, and this time for cosmetic reasons?
Well...I finally decided to go ahead and start the process after much discussions with various friends of mine, both female and male, and had the skin expanders placed and the surgical flap revised (removal of old scar tissue and such). That was on Monday. I vaguely recall coming out of the OR and asking my nurse "Why did I decide to do this again???"
I can honestly say that this surgery was way more painful than my intial bilateral mastectomy. Probably because of all the removal of scar tissue and adhesions, but.....OUCH!!! If I had this knowledge beforehand, I cannot honestly say that I would make the same decision. Everyone was very nice at the hospital and I can't say that they weren't on top of my pain....as much as they could be without knocking me out completely again, but mmmmmm....let's just say that I'm not looking forward to the next surgery!!! Boobs or no boobs!
Love,
Mel
Why I Keep Chugging Along
Just a few of the people in my life that help put a smile on my face. Posted April 8, 2007
Ahoy Folks....
Just some Easter greetings from the Ether Bunny...yes "Ether" bunny (or whatever equivalent they will give me tomorrow for my expander surgery!!!).
I hope this Easter season finds you all well (or at least "better"). I've been asked a lot lately by people who don't know me well about how I can be so chipper all the time; well the answer is...I'm not. At least not "all the time". I am certainly no little Mary Sunshine...as people who REALLY know me know! But the people in my life keep me going. Here are pictures of some of the real reasons I keep put-putting along....
Email me more pictures so that I can add them to my wall of fame....
Love,
Mel
Just some Easter greetings from the Ether Bunny...yes "Ether" bunny (or whatever equivalent they will give me tomorrow for my expander surgery!!!).
I hope this Easter season finds you all well (or at least "better"). I've been asked a lot lately by people who don't know me well about how I can be so chipper all the time; well the answer is...I'm not. At least not "all the time". I am certainly no little Mary Sunshine...as people who REALLY know me know! But the people in my life keep me going. Here are pictures of some of the real reasons I keep put-putting along....
Email me more pictures so that I can add them to my wall of fame....
Love,
Mel
Surgery, Surgery, Surgery
Finally healed...just in time for more surgery. Posted March 27, 2007
Hi Folks!!!
Long time since I last blogged....been doing well and recovering from all the cancer stuff from last year. Just got fully healed and released from the wound clinic....just in time to get scheduled for the 1st stage of my reconstructive surgery on April 9th, followed by my hysterectomy on April 16th. Wish me well!
Anyway....hope everyone is doing well...and doing their booby checks, too!
Check out my new picture (the one I'm using as my profile)....my friend Steven Kernen did the caricature of me as the Buddha. I think he did a teriffic job, don't you??? I'm trying to get it made into a sweatshirt.
Anywhoo....will blog more later.
Mel
WooHoo!!! My Eyebrows Are BAAACK!
Holidays were hectic, no chance to post until now. Posted February 2, 2007
Ahoy All!!! Just updated my picture on MySpace 'cause I now have my eyebrows back and my hair now looks like hair rather than fuzz. Yipee!!!! Hope all is well with everyone. Stay healthy and happy this year! Check the the Boobachinos at least once a month! Love, Mel
Holiday Sprouts
My hair is growing...kinda. Posted December 13, 2006
Ahoy Friends!!!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Jolly Kwanzaa, Happy Holidays and Glad Tidings to all (I hope I covered everyone)!!
Just sending out good thoughts and warm wishes to all of you during this hectic season...2006 has been an eventful and, at times, trying year for many of us, so I'm hoping that the end of the year is peaceful and harmonious for all of us!
I've been spending the last 4 weeks since my last chemo treatment recuperating and regaining my energy...or at least trying to regain energy...I managed to catch a doozy of a cold last weekend and have been snotty and pooped out for the past 5 days. Oh well....could be worse.
Oh yeah...my hair has started to sprout. It's almost (ALMOST!) 1/8 of an inch long! It's still sparse in spots, but at least you don't have to squint to see it anymore. I now look like a fuzzy egg....I used to look like a moldy egg, so I look at this as an improvement! One big (REALLY BIG) shock for me is that I think that I see WHITE sprouts coming in. I don't know how to handle this. I didn't have grey or white hairs before, so.... Maybe I should just stay bald?! What's your thoughts on that? I could save a ton on hair products.
Anyway...just a quick holiday update and best regards to all.
Love,
Mel
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Jolly Kwanzaa, Happy Holidays and Glad Tidings to all (I hope I covered everyone)!!
Just sending out good thoughts and warm wishes to all of you during this hectic season...2006 has been an eventful and, at times, trying year for many of us, so I'm hoping that the end of the year is peaceful and harmonious for all of us!
I've been spending the last 4 weeks since my last chemo treatment recuperating and regaining my energy...or at least trying to regain energy...I managed to catch a doozy of a cold last weekend and have been snotty and pooped out for the past 5 days. Oh well....could be worse.
Oh yeah...my hair has started to sprout. It's almost (ALMOST!) 1/8 of an inch long! It's still sparse in spots, but at least you don't have to squint to see it anymore. I now look like a fuzzy egg....I used to look like a moldy egg, so I look at this as an improvement! One big (REALLY BIG) shock for me is that I think that I see WHITE sprouts coming in. I don't know how to handle this. I didn't have grey or white hairs before, so.... Maybe I should just stay bald?! What's your thoughts on that? I could save a ton on hair products.
Anyway...just a quick holiday update and best regards to all.
Love,
Mel
Adventure of a Human Dartboard
What to do about the ovaries....should they stay or should they go? Posted November 20, 2oo6
Ahoy All...
Well...the adventure continues despite the end of chemotherapy...I guess the fat lady hasn't sung yet (besides, I'm totally tone-deaf!), so I'm gonna continue to let you all know what's going on...
Had a busy appointment day today...saw 4 different people today...I've been vital-signed into the ground...blood pressure remained good throughout the day...blood sugar see-sawed as usual...got shots (hence the "Human Dartboard") of Neupogen, Epogen & the Flu vaccine, so I don't know which end is up (no, thank God, no shots to the bottom!)...I told a friend of mine that I feel like I don't need kids 'cause I take myself to my own well-baby check-ups to get my immunizations...bummer though...I don't get a balloon or a sticker!
Got Apligraf applied to my wounds today. It's this stuff that they grow in culture from neonatal foreskin (No, I am NOT making this up!!! Check out www.apligraf.com) that they apply to wounds that have a hard time healing. It's supposed to help new skin cells form. And yes, I'm expecting some pretty rude comments from those of you with skewed senses of humor, so BRING IT ON!
Now here's the thing....I need opinions from those of you who have had any experience with breast cancer (personal or professional, I want your thoughts on this)...I spoke to my oncologist today and he wants me to consider having my ovaries removed in the near future...before some of you get upset...here's the thought behind this: 1. My cancer is estrogen sensitive and tumor growth is greatly affected by the production of estrogen, 2. Because I wasn't menopausal prior to chemo, I may start cycling again and start producing estrogen, 3. Estrogen inhibitors have a better chance of working if I'm sure my ovaries aren't gonna kick in again, 4. There is a higher incidence of ovarian cancer occurance in women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. So...I just want your thoughts on this; I'm not all that attached to my ovaries (at least emotionally!) but I am kinda chicken about having surgery again.
Anyway...I'm gonna go take some pain-relief and get horizontal.
Love to all,
Mel
Well...the adventure continues despite the end of chemotherapy...I guess the fat lady hasn't sung yet (besides, I'm totally tone-deaf!), so I'm gonna continue to let you all know what's going on...
Had a busy appointment day today...saw 4 different people today...I've been vital-signed into the ground...blood pressure remained good throughout the day...blood sugar see-sawed as usual...got shots (hence the "Human Dartboard") of Neupogen, Epogen & the Flu vaccine, so I don't know which end is up (no, thank God, no shots to the bottom!)...I told a friend of mine that I feel like I don't need kids 'cause I take myself to my own well-baby check-ups to get my immunizations...bummer though...I don't get a balloon or a sticker!
Got Apligraf applied to my wounds today. It's this stuff that they grow in culture from neonatal foreskin (No, I am NOT making this up!!! Check out www.apligraf.com) that they apply to wounds that have a hard time healing. It's supposed to help new skin cells form. And yes, I'm expecting some pretty rude comments from those of you with skewed senses of humor, so BRING IT ON!
Now here's the thing....I need opinions from those of you who have had any experience with breast cancer (personal or professional, I want your thoughts on this)...I spoke to my oncologist today and he wants me to consider having my ovaries removed in the near future...before some of you get upset...here's the thought behind this: 1. My cancer is estrogen sensitive and tumor growth is greatly affected by the production of estrogen, 2. Because I wasn't menopausal prior to chemo, I may start cycling again and start producing estrogen, 3. Estrogen inhibitors have a better chance of working if I'm sure my ovaries aren't gonna kick in again, 4. There is a higher incidence of ovarian cancer occurance in women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. So...I just want your thoughts on this; I'm not all that attached to my ovaries (at least emotionally!) but I am kinda chicken about having surgery again.
Anyway...I'm gonna go take some pain-relief and get horizontal.
Love to all,
Mel
YIPEE!!! Finito With The Chemo!!!
Done with the chemical death juice...on to the healing process!!! Posted November 15, 2006
Ahoy All!!!
Wooohooo!!!! Stick a fork in me, I'm DONE!!!! I won't lie to you...it stomped my butt FLAT this time AND my glucose went through the roof (nearly 400) with the decadron...but I'm done (with the chemo part at least) and that is what counts!!!
I go back in a week for more labs to just check my white count and hemoglobin (got more Procrit for the anemia today, but no Neupogen so I was happy), then they will probably put me on some hormone stuff depending on whether they figure out if I'm peri-menopausal or post-menopausal...yes, at 40 I am (hopefully) done with the PMS stuff too...although I'm hoping that I'm more post-menopausal so that I don't have to deal with the hot flashes as often as I have been....whoa, those flashes are totally EVIL. Hot flashes are like taking a sudden trip to the equator without benefit of the beaches, cabana boys or umbrella drinks!!! If I'm gonna sweat like I'm on the beach in St. Croix...at least have Paulo there to hand me a Rum punch!!!
Anyway...my doctor says that it'll be at least 6 weeks from now before he thinks that I'm recovered enough from chemo to go back to work, but ultimately it's gonna depend on how well my wounds have healed by then...yes, they are STILL not completely closed, so more waiting....although I'm getting Apligraf put on next Monday....Ask Annie Turonis about Apligraf; it's interesting stuff...to help it heal over.
Oh, and I'm now that I'm done with chemo...I'm moving back to the Chula Vista area (my brother's place in Eastlake)...as soon as I am not so wiped out from this last round....more info later. Thanks again to Jerry & Kelly for providing me with a place to recover...it means so much more than they will ever know...it made chemo so much easier to handle.
Love to all,
Mel
Ahoy All!!!
Wooohooo!!!! Stick a fork in me, I'm DONE!!!! I won't lie to you...it stomped my butt FLAT this time AND my glucose went through the roof (nearly 400) with the decadron...but I'm done (with the chemo part at least) and that is what counts!!!
I go back in a week for more labs to just check my white count and hemoglobin (got more Procrit for the anemia today, but no Neupogen so I was happy), then they will probably put me on some hormone stuff depending on whether they figure out if I'm peri-menopausal or post-menopausal...yes, at 40 I am (hopefully) done with the PMS stuff too...although I'm hoping that I'm more post-menopausal so that I don't have to deal with the hot flashes as often as I have been....whoa, those flashes are totally EVIL. Hot flashes are like taking a sudden trip to the equator without benefit of the beaches, cabana boys or umbrella drinks!!! If I'm gonna sweat like I'm on the beach in St. Croix...at least have Paulo there to hand me a Rum punch!!!
Anyway...my doctor says that it'll be at least 6 weeks from now before he thinks that I'm recovered enough from chemo to go back to work, but ultimately it's gonna depend on how well my wounds have healed by then...yes, they are STILL not completely closed, so more waiting....although I'm getting Apligraf put on next Monday....Ask Annie Turonis about Apligraf; it's interesting stuff...to help it heal over.
Oh, and I'm now that I'm done with chemo...I'm moving back to the Chula Vista area (my brother's place in Eastlake)...as soon as I am not so wiped out from this last round....more info later. Thanks again to Jerry & Kelly for providing me with a place to recover...it means so much more than they will ever know...it made chemo so much easier to handle.
Love to all,
Mel
A World Without Eyebrows
I now know how Lex Luthor felt! Every hair on my body fell out! Posted November 7, 2006
Ahoy All...
I recently noticed that not only am I bald, but my eyebrows were jumping ship quite rapidly since chemo #5. I kinda look like Mr. Clean & Whoopi Goldberg had a love child. I have been trying to draw the suckers in (otherwise your face looks strangely blank without brows!) but without the hairs to guide me....well...I have had decidedly mixed results ranging from Joan Crawford to early 80's Madonna...scary!!!
Check out my latest picture!!! I'm using it on my profile on MySpace!
Anyway...taking my cranky, sniffly self to bed....nite-nite!!
Love to all,
Mel
Cresting the Top of The Hill
Yes, the end is in sight...just some words of THANKS to all who lent support. Posted November 3, 2006
Ahoy All....
Now...you all know that I'm not built for speed or distance...I'm definitely more the tortoise than the hare....but I feel like I'm nearing the end of my first (and LAST!) Ironman or Ultra-Marathon!!!
Chemo #6 is just around the corner (November 14th) so I am finally feeling like there is an end (a good one) to this whole saga. Thanks to each and every one of you for being here for me and all the encouragement throughout this whole thing. Thanks to Jer & Kel for opening their home to me so that I wouldn't have to travel from the back woods of Ol' Chulajuana during my treatments. Thanks to Naomi and the whole traveling support group for taxi-ing my butt around...if anyone has ever seen me stagger around after my treatments or after taking a Percocet, you know why I haven't been driving. Chandra, Annie, Yvonne & Cindy C...the 4 Mouseketeers and the gang for REALLY surprising me...40 has never been so good! Thanks to Nix & Cheryl, the Morales, the Garridos and "da Cuzins" for the support with the whole family portion of the drama (YOU KNOW) !!! Thanks Brenda D...for sharing your story with me and for letting me share mine in return....the finish line isn't far away for you either, so hang in there kiddo!!!! Not to leave anyone out, (but if I did, I'm sorry)....Thanks Chis, the Man & the Furkids for the reality checks. Thanks to my extended families at Childrens, Balboa & Sharp...the Aunties, Rose, CYL & the Ai's...Leeny & Timmy...ALL of you!!! AND to my LOOOOONG distance families the Hickman-Lamonts, the McCaffreys, the Sullivans, the Anconas, and especially the Kernens for keeping me up-to-date with their family happenings and making me feel a part of their lives each and everyday.
Basically....THANK YOU to everyone. I know this may all be premature....I just got shots today of GCSF and Procrit (White count was down to 2.2 and I'm fighting a cold)....but after having lunch with Karen & Crystal today, I was feeling VERY grateful for having such a great support system throughout all this. I am told by people at the Cancer Center that I have a great attitude, and I tell them all the time that I could never do it without all the wonderful people that I have shared this journey with, so I felt that I should share these thoughts with all of you.
Okay...enough of the maudlin sentimentality....you get the point.
My love to all,
Mel
Now...you all know that I'm not built for speed or distance...I'm definitely more the tortoise than the hare....but I feel like I'm nearing the end of my first (and LAST!) Ironman or Ultra-Marathon!!!
Chemo #6 is just around the corner (November 14th) so I am finally feeling like there is an end (a good one) to this whole saga. Thanks to each and every one of you for being here for me and all the encouragement throughout this whole thing. Thanks to Jer & Kel for opening their home to me so that I wouldn't have to travel from the back woods of Ol' Chulajuana during my treatments. Thanks to Naomi and the whole traveling support group for taxi-ing my butt around...if anyone has ever seen me stagger around after my treatments or after taking a Percocet, you know why I haven't been driving. Chandra, Annie, Yvonne & Cindy C...the 4 Mouseketeers and the gang for REALLY surprising me...40 has never been so good! Thanks to Nix & Cheryl, the Morales, the Garridos and "da Cuzins" for the support with the whole family portion of the drama (YOU KNOW) !!! Thanks Brenda D...for sharing your story with me and for letting me share mine in return....the finish line isn't far away for you either, so hang in there kiddo!!!! Not to leave anyone out, (but if I did, I'm sorry)....Thanks Chis, the Man & the Furkids for the reality checks. Thanks to my extended families at Childrens, Balboa & Sharp...the Aunties, Rose, CYL & the Ai's...Leeny & Timmy...ALL of you!!! AND to my LOOOOONG distance families the Hickman-Lamonts, the McCaffreys, the Sullivans, the Anconas, and especially the Kernens for keeping me up-to-date with their family happenings and making me feel a part of their lives each and everyday.
Basically....THANK YOU to everyone. I know this may all be premature....I just got shots today of GCSF and Procrit (White count was down to 2.2 and I'm fighting a cold)....but after having lunch with Karen & Crystal today, I was feeling VERY grateful for having such a great support system throughout all this. I am told by people at the Cancer Center that I have a great attitude, and I tell them all the time that I could never do it without all the wonderful people that I have shared this journey with, so I felt that I should share these thoughts with all of you.
Okay...enough of the maudlin sentimentality....you get the point.
My love to all,
Mel
Coming Out of My Benadryl Haze
Chemo #5 is done...just one more to go!!! Posted October 24, 2006
Ahoy All...
Well...number 5 chemo is DONE! I needed a 2nd dose of Benadryl & Decadron during the 2nd half (the Taxotere, as usual) due to some hand & feet numbness, tingling & swelling....soooo.....
I had some visitors during chemo....my great friend Naomi & her husband stopped by, so did some of the Aunties....thanks Ampy, Cheryl & Miriam! I remember that they came by to rub my head and take a look around. I don't think I was making much sense by that time....Benadryl is better than a cocktail for me....especially 100mg IV!!!
I wobbled home after chemo and hit the mattress for some horizontal time.....I didn't emerge until after 1800...that's 6pm for you landlubbers....
Anyway...that's all I have to report right now. I'll write more if & when I remember it!
Love,
Mel
Well...number 5 chemo is DONE! I needed a 2nd dose of Benadryl & Decadron during the 2nd half (the Taxotere, as usual) due to some hand & feet numbness, tingling & swelling....soooo.....
I had some visitors during chemo....my great friend Naomi & her husband stopped by, so did some of the Aunties....thanks Ampy, Cheryl & Miriam! I remember that they came by to rub my head and take a look around. I don't think I was making much sense by that time....Benadryl is better than a cocktail for me....especially 100mg IV!!!
I wobbled home after chemo and hit the mattress for some horizontal time.....I didn't emerge until after 1800...that's 6pm for you landlubbers....
Anyway...that's all I have to report right now. I'll write more if & when I remember it!
Love,
Mel
Evil Medicine on Friday the 13th
Original post date October 13, 2006
Yo-Ho-Ho!!!
Just a brief note...went for my 10day post-chemo follow-up today...yup, on Friday the 13th! Not too bad, as check ups go...no terrible news....no great news, but nothing to earth-shattering either. My Hgb & WBC counts were low though ( 10.2 & 3 respectively), so...SHOT TIME!!! And we are NOT talking about tequila either! Got a hefty dose of Epogen & a dose of Neupogen, too.
If any of you have seen the Neulasta commercials...the one where every person looks way too healthy & happy to have cancer of any sort and each one says perkily "I'm ready"...well, they say that the most common side effect is "mild to moderate bone pain"....well...if you remember the last time I took that stuff...I thought I had died and gone straight to HELL! No different this time, except the burning bone pain started sooner rather than a day & a half later....YUCK! But hey....I didn't wait until I was writhing around on the floor before I took my Percocet...you would all be proud of me...when the Advil didn't blunt the pain...I popped my Percs and did so much better. Now I'm a bit loopy and am going to go get horizontal.
Oh just a reminder...if you have to give one of our itsy-bitsy little ones Neupogen, Neulasta or GCSF (all the same EVIL but necessary stuff)....PUHLEEEEEESE beg the doctor for some pain meds...'cause when your patient goes through the roof and is acting possessed a few hours later, it's because his or her bones are on fire!!!!
Love to all,
Loopy Mel
Just a brief note...went for my 10day post-chemo follow-up today...yup, on Friday the 13th! Not too bad, as check ups go...no terrible news....no great news, but nothing to earth-shattering either. My Hgb & WBC counts were low though ( 10.2 & 3 respectively), so...SHOT TIME!!! And we are NOT talking about tequila either! Got a hefty dose of Epogen & a dose of Neupogen, too.
If any of you have seen the Neulasta commercials...the one where every person looks way too healthy & happy to have cancer of any sort and each one says perkily "I'm ready"...well, they say that the most common side effect is "mild to moderate bone pain"....well...if you remember the last time I took that stuff...I thought I had died and gone straight to HELL! No different this time, except the burning bone pain started sooner rather than a day & a half later....YUCK! But hey....I didn't wait until I was writhing around on the floor before I took my Percocet...you would all be proud of me...when the Advil didn't blunt the pain...I popped my Percs and did so much better. Now I'm a bit loopy and am going to go get horizontal.
Oh just a reminder...if you have to give one of our itsy-bitsy little ones Neupogen, Neulasta or GCSF (all the same EVIL but necessary stuff)....PUHLEEEEEESE beg the doctor for some pain meds...'cause when your patient goes through the roof and is acting possessed a few hours later, it's because his or her bones are on fire!!!!
Love to all,
Loopy Mel
Hibernating Grizzley Bear
Self-explanatory...Originally posted October 8, 2006
Ahoy All...
How much sleep is too much??? I have been snoozing like a pregnant grizzly bear in winter. Just when I think I'm up for a few....horizontal time calls to me again!
So...if you haven't been able to get hold of me...it's probably because I've been sawing logs!!! Other than that...everything is status quo!
Everyone take care....And do those boobie checks...
Love,
Mel
How much sleep is too much??? I have been snoozing like a pregnant grizzly bear in winter. Just when I think I'm up for a few....horizontal time calls to me again!
So...if you haven't been able to get hold of me...it's probably because I've been sawing logs!!! Other than that...everything is status quo!
Everyone take care....And do those boobie checks...
Love,
Mel
A Slippery Slope
Chemo #4...2 more to go!! Originally posted October 3, 2006
Ahoy to All...
Well I'm over the halfway mark...chemo #4 finished today...now only 2 more to go. Wooohooo!!! And BONUS!!!...they got my IV in ONE stick today...that made my day. Hgb was good at 12.5 and WBC was good at 11; so no Epogen OR Neupogen this round; recheck in 10 days.
Hgb A1C was 6.7 for all you nosy parkers who absolutely need to know if I'm a compliant diabetic or not. Not too bad considering that I've been on decadron off and on since August 1st (I get it with each chemo tx) and it shoots my glucose to over 250 the 1st check after chemo and keeps it in the 180's-low 190's for most if that 1st day, despite my sliding scale Humalog.
I have to admit it though...even though I should be coasting down this hill and an end is in sight...it's a slippery slope...I feel like if I'm not careful, I'll be coasting down this hill on my ass...or flat on my back. I really haven't felt this flattened out before. Of course I'm trying not to let this get me down, but between the wound vac and all the problems with my insurance....arrrgh!!!...you all may have to hear SOME bitching...at least for a little bit. I came home & was hot flashing like a summer's day in the Caribbean...(yes, like a summer day in LOQUILLO, Timmy)...90 degrees & 100% humidity...ALL DAY LONG! And I don't even get the benefit of a tan!
Anyway....that's my whining for the day. My umbilical cord (my wound vac) & I are gonna go ge horizontal again. Hopefully I can stay up for the new episode of NCIS. I really am looking for the silver lining in this whole disability thing, but if I can't even stay up to see the new shows...my silver lining is gonna start looking like tin!
I posted this letter on my blog @ www.myspace.com/chunkybuddha for those of you who want to sign on as my friend....otherwise the site is set on private and you can't view the pictures & slideshows I've posted.
Well...that's it for today...and since it's the beginning of the month (like I need an excuse)....a friendly reminder to "CHECK THOSE BOOBIES!!!"....even you BOYS!!!!
Love to all,
Mel
Ahoy to All...
Well I'm over the halfway mark...chemo #4 finished today...now only 2 more to go. Wooohooo!!! And BONUS!!!...they got my IV in ONE stick today...that made my day. Hgb was good at 12.5 and WBC was good at 11; so no Epogen OR Neupogen this round; recheck in 10 days.
Hgb A1C was 6.7 for all you nosy parkers who absolutely need to know if I'm a compliant diabetic or not. Not too bad considering that I've been on decadron off and on since August 1st (I get it with each chemo tx) and it shoots my glucose to over 250 the 1st check after chemo and keeps it in the 180's-low 190's for most if that 1st day, despite my sliding scale Humalog.
I have to admit it though...even though I should be coasting down this hill and an end is in sight...it's a slippery slope...I feel like if I'm not careful, I'll be coasting down this hill on my ass...or flat on my back. I really haven't felt this flattened out before. Of course I'm trying not to let this get me down, but between the wound vac and all the problems with my insurance....arrrgh!!!...you all may have to hear SOME bitching...at least for a little bit. I came home & was hot flashing like a summer's day in the Caribbean...(yes, like a summer day in LOQUILLO, Timmy)...90 degrees & 100% humidity...ALL DAY LONG! And I don't even get the benefit of a tan!
Anyway....that's my whining for the day. My umbilical cord (my wound vac) & I are gonna go ge horizontal again. Hopefully I can stay up for the new episode of NCIS. I really am looking for the silver lining in this whole disability thing, but if I can't even stay up to see the new shows...my silver lining is gonna start looking like tin!
I posted this letter on my blog @ www.myspace.com/chunkybuddha for those of you who want to sign on as my friend....otherwise the site is set on private and you can't view the pictures & slideshows I've posted.
Well...that's it for today...and since it's the beginning of the month (like I need an excuse)....a friendly reminder to "CHECK THOSE BOOBIES!!!"....even you BOYS!!!!
Love to all,
Mel
Wound Vacs...The Next Fashion Fad?
Unfortunately was having all sorts of healing problems, so I got to experience wearing a wound vacuum. Ooooweee...stinky!!! Originally posted September 27, 2006
Ahoy All....
Oy vey! Or whatever is the English equivalent to the Yiddish sentiment...boy, oh boy...I thought I was free of tubing & wires after my drains were pulled out.
HA! No such luck. Between diabetes and chemo, my surgical sites are healing oh, so slowly, but they are healing. Unfortunately, the wound clinic thinks that I need to wear a wound vac for at least a month...yes, a month...30 days...for the sites to heal better and faster. Apparently a month is a SHORT period of time compared to everyone else.
For those who have never seen one of these contraptions, they make a seal around the site using strips of clear occlusive flexible plastic with suction foam next to the wound site. Then they place a suction device onto the the occlusive plastic with a tegaderm-like seal. The tubing is attached to a portable suction device. YES...a portable suction device that is the size of one of those old pull-out tape decks that we used to put into our cars. It's a new fashion statement that I get to carry around all day and plug into the wall all night!!!
I wonder if I can justify getting a new purse to use as a wound vac cover??? Maybe a new Burberry or Juicy bag??? Any suggestions??
Well that's all for now.
Love to all,
Mel
Ahoy All....
Oy vey! Or whatever is the English equivalent to the Yiddish sentiment...boy, oh boy...I thought I was free of tubing & wires after my drains were pulled out.
HA! No such luck. Between diabetes and chemo, my surgical sites are healing oh, so slowly, but they are healing. Unfortunately, the wound clinic thinks that I need to wear a wound vac for at least a month...yes, a month...30 days...for the sites to heal better and faster. Apparently a month is a SHORT period of time compared to everyone else.
For those who have never seen one of these contraptions, they make a seal around the site using strips of clear occlusive flexible plastic with suction foam next to the wound site. Then they place a suction device onto the the occlusive plastic with a tegaderm-like seal. The tubing is attached to a portable suction device. YES...a portable suction device that is the size of one of those old pull-out tape decks that we used to put into our cars. It's a new fashion statement that I get to carry around all day and plug into the wall all night!!!
I wonder if I can justify getting a new purse to use as a wound vac cover??? Maybe a new Burberry or Juicy bag??? Any suggestions??
Well that's all for now.
Love to all,
Mel
No Medical Marijuana For Me!
Who gains weight during chemotherapy? Well...apparently I do! Originally posted September 25, 2006
Ahoy Gang!!!
It's been a while since I've sent out an update email, so here I am, just sending out a little bit of rambling blurb!
Firstly...if you have been added to this list in error and wish to be taken off, please let me know. Second...if you know of anyone who wants to placed on my updates list, also let me know...either you can give them this email address and they can send me an email to be added on, or you can forward me their email address...whichever works for you.
So...everything is pretty much status quo. A bit harder to bounce back after chemo #3. Felt more aches and pains, was tired more often, but really nothing like what I was anticipating from the beginning. I've been lucky that way and also very thankful. My doctor keeps reminding me that it will probably get harder to snap back with each succeeding treatment, so I'm keeping that in mind.
One thing is for sure....there is NO WAY that my doctor is going to write me a script for medical pot. Damn! I thought there would be at least ONE bonus to this whole odyssey, but nooooooooo, I have to be the rare patient that has an appetite despite nausea...and once the nausea is gone...don't get between me and my meal...you may lose a digit! My doctor used to ask me at every visit "How's your appetite"...he doesn't ask anymore...my weight check...and my very round behind...tells on me. Yeah...I guess they only prescribe the good stuff to those who DON'T already have the munchies at 0200 in the morning!
So...other than the fact that no one needs to worry that I am wasting away, nothing much to report. Next chemo on Oct 3rd....Yippee #4 of 6!!! Wounds are healing slowly, but at least they are healing. I have found lots of new shopping sites online. In case some of you haven't seen me lately, or not seen recent pictures...I have chosen to wear some very pretty clothing from India, Saudi Arabia, Africa and Malaysia...lots of nice, loose stuff. They aren't as restrictive of movement and they cover me from sun exposure when I'm out. Some of them come with scarves that I use to cover my head, so that's an added bonus. So, in other words, I'm still a shopaholic!
Well...that's all to report for now. More later as things progress. Thanks to all who have sent cards. I'm a horrible "Thank You" note sender, but always know that they are appreciated and I love you all. One thing that I would love to receive every once in a while are pictures from you, your families, etc. It makes me think that I am keeping up with the rest of the world...and all your kids are growing up soooo very fast. You don't have to send printed pictures....emailed pictures are terrific and who knows...you may end up on my MySpace page....send me a friend request at www.myspace.com/chunkybuddha (Yes...my MySpace ID is Chunky Buddha...have you SEEN my picture???)
Anyway...my love to all...and as always....do those booby checks monthly!
Love,
Mel
Ahoy Gang!!!
It's been a while since I've sent out an update email, so here I am, just sending out a little bit of rambling blurb!
Firstly...if you have been added to this list in error and wish to be taken off, please let me know. Second...if you know of anyone who wants to placed on my updates list, also let me know...either you can give them this email address and they can send me an email to be added on, or you can forward me their email address...whichever works for you.
So...everything is pretty much status quo. A bit harder to bounce back after chemo #3. Felt more aches and pains, was tired more often, but really nothing like what I was anticipating from the beginning. I've been lucky that way and also very thankful. My doctor keeps reminding me that it will probably get harder to snap back with each succeeding treatment, so I'm keeping that in mind.
One thing is for sure....there is NO WAY that my doctor is going to write me a script for medical pot. Damn! I thought there would be at least ONE bonus to this whole odyssey, but nooooooooo, I have to be the rare patient that has an appetite despite nausea...and once the nausea is gone...don't get between me and my meal...you may lose a digit! My doctor used to ask me at every visit "How's your appetite"...he doesn't ask anymore...my weight check...and my very round behind...tells on me. Yeah...I guess they only prescribe the good stuff to those who DON'T already have the munchies at 0200 in the morning!
So...other than the fact that no one needs to worry that I am wasting away, nothing much to report. Next chemo on Oct 3rd....Yippee #4 of 6!!! Wounds are healing slowly, but at least they are healing. I have found lots of new shopping sites online. In case some of you haven't seen me lately, or not seen recent pictures...I have chosen to wear some very pretty clothing from India, Saudi Arabia, Africa and Malaysia...lots of nice, loose stuff. They aren't as restrictive of movement and they cover me from sun exposure when I'm out. Some of them come with scarves that I use to cover my head, so that's an added bonus. So, in other words, I'm still a shopaholic!
Well...that's all to report for now. More later as things progress. Thanks to all who have sent cards. I'm a horrible "Thank You" note sender, but always know that they are appreciated and I love you all. One thing that I would love to receive every once in a while are pictures from you, your families, etc. It makes me think that I am keeping up with the rest of the world...and all your kids are growing up soooo very fast. You don't have to send printed pictures....emailed pictures are terrific and who knows...you may end up on my MySpace page....send me a friend request at www.myspace.com/chunkybuddha (Yes...my MySpace ID is Chunky Buddha...have you SEEN my picture???)
Anyway...my love to all...and as always....do those booby checks monthly!
Love,
Mel
I'm Just Too SWEET!
Chemo #3, worsening diabetes and trying to heal...Originally posted September 13, 2006
Ahoy Gang....
It's been quite a week already...and it's only Hump Day!!! Turned 40 on Monday, had chemo #3 on Tuesday (Yipee!!! 3 more to go!), then went & saw my primary physician today and since I am on decadron for the chemo, my sugars are still wacky....YUP...as you've all suspected...I'M JUST TOO SWEET (thought I'd give you all a laugh!)....so I've been started on 3x/day sliding scale Humalog....
Anyway...been thinking I was headed in this direction for a while....we'll see where this goes.
1st Wound Clinic appointment on Friday...really hoping that this appointment is uneventful!!!
Love to all,
Mel
Ahoy Gang....
It's been quite a week already...and it's only Hump Day!!! Turned 40 on Monday, had chemo #3 on Tuesday (Yipee!!! 3 more to go!), then went & saw my primary physician today and since I am on decadron for the chemo, my sugars are still wacky....YUP...as you've all suspected...I'M JUST TOO SWEET (thought I'd give you all a laugh!)....so I've been started on 3x/day sliding scale Humalog....
Anyway...been thinking I was headed in this direction for a while....we'll see where this goes.
1st Wound Clinic appointment on Friday...really hoping that this appointment is uneventful!!!
Love to all,
Mel
39...and Holding
The night before my big 4-0...feeling reflective...Originally posted September 10, 2006
Ahoy To All You Wonderful People...
Well...it's just a little past midnight on the morning of the 10th of September....yup...I'm 39 and holding...at least for the next 23 hours and 30 minutes! And you know what...it's not so bad. I'm actually looking forward to turning 40. No, really. The past 10 years since 30 has just flown by, but with so many great memories, and granted, some tragedy as well, that I can't wait to see what the next decade brings me. Every day teaches me SOMETHING...maybe nothing major, but something and I intend to be around for a long time to continue my education.
A friend recently asked me what I've learned in the past few months...I told her this: I have learned that 40 isn't fatal...and neither is cancer. Most of all, I have learned that despite everything that has occured over the past 3-4 months, I am content, and can honestly say that I am happy. I know who I am. I know who my true friends are and I wouldn't trade my life for anyone else's.
This next week is a busy one for me medically. Follow-up appointments, wound clinic evaluation and chemo treatment #3 on Tuesday...yup...the day after my big 4-0, but oh well...at least I'm here to complain about it!! I should just move to the hospital for the next week since all my appointments are staggered throughout a 4 day period. But I can say that everyone at my doctor's offices and at the Cancer Center has been terrific. A cab driver asked me last week if I was a good patient or a bad patient and I can honestly say that I think that I'm a good patient. At least I hope so.
Anyway...that's all there is to say for now. Thanks again for all the cards, e-mails, thoughts and prayers; they are appreciated deeply. Everybody take care of yourselves and each other.
And don't for get to check them hooties!!!
Love to all,
Mel
Well...it's just a little past midnight on the morning of the 10th of September....yup...I'm 39 and holding...at least for the next 23 hours and 30 minutes! And you know what...it's not so bad. I'm actually looking forward to turning 40. No, really. The past 10 years since 30 has just flown by, but with so many great memories, and granted, some tragedy as well, that I can't wait to see what the next decade brings me. Every day teaches me SOMETHING...maybe nothing major, but something and I intend to be around for a long time to continue my education.
A friend recently asked me what I've learned in the past few months...I told her this: I have learned that 40 isn't fatal...and neither is cancer. Most of all, I have learned that despite everything that has occured over the past 3-4 months, I am content, and can honestly say that I am happy. I know who I am. I know who my true friends are and I wouldn't trade my life for anyone else's.
This next week is a busy one for me medically. Follow-up appointments, wound clinic evaluation and chemo treatment #3 on Tuesday...yup...the day after my big 4-0, but oh well...at least I'm here to complain about it!! I should just move to the hospital for the next week since all my appointments are staggered throughout a 4 day period. But I can say that everyone at my doctor's offices and at the Cancer Center has been terrific. A cab driver asked me last week if I was a good patient or a bad patient and I can honestly say that I think that I'm a good patient. At least I hope so.
Anyway...that's all there is to say for now. Thanks again for all the cards, e-mails, thoughts and prayers; they are appreciated deeply. Everybody take care of yourselves and each other.
And don't for get to check them hooties!!!
Love to all,
Mel
SURPRISE!!!
My birthday is September 11th. I was supposed to go to Italy for my 40th....ummm....NO. So my friends decided to throw me a surprise party on September 1st instead...I love my friends! Original post September 2, 2006
Ahoy to all....
Some of you on this list won't know what I'm talking about, so let me explain....a bunch of my crazy friends at Childrens' were supposed to get together and have a "Poker Party" yesterday.....which acturally turned out to be a surprise party for my 40th birthday (9/11 is my actual b-day). It was just incredible, so I want you all to know how much I appreciated it.
First and foremost, a gigantic THANK YOU to everyone who had a hand in my surprise party yesterday....I have only ever been surprised like that once before...I'm kinda hard to keep a secret from, but you guys really pulled one over on me. I had a fantastic time. You all don't know how much I miss you....seeing you all was the best medicine a girl could have.
And no....for those of you who were wondering....I had absolutely NO idea. If I had even thought I was going to a party for me....I would have dressed up, put on some make up and I would have at least TRIED to have the hair ON my head instead of in my bag. One of my 1st thoughts as the shock was wearing off was "Oh crap...I didn't even put on lipstick!" I know....vain.
Big hugs & kisses to the ones I now know were the co-conspirators in this whole thing.....An'e (you know her as Annie), Chandra, Cindy and Yvonne. An'e please pass on the hugs and kisses to your Mama & Papa....I know they helped you tremendously, too. Your Papa is Master of the Grill.
Anyway....I really don't have pictures to share of the 1st part of the party. I was so surprised that I forgot to take out my camera! Yes....I got all discombobulated and went around hugging people....and eating all that good food...instead to snapping pictures like I usually do! So I'll have to wait until the others share their pics.
Again...thanks to all for a great day...I am truly blessed to have such awesome friends. I miss and love you all.
Love,
Mel
Some of you on this list won't know what I'm talking about, so let me explain....a bunch of my crazy friends at Childrens' were supposed to get together and have a "Poker Party" yesterday.....which acturally turned out to be a surprise party for my 40th birthday (9/11 is my actual b-day). It was just incredible, so I want you all to know how much I appreciated it.
First and foremost, a gigantic THANK YOU to everyone who had a hand in my surprise party yesterday....I have only ever been surprised like that once before...I'm kinda hard to keep a secret from, but you guys really pulled one over on me. I had a fantastic time. You all don't know how much I miss you....seeing you all was the best medicine a girl could have.
And no....for those of you who were wondering....I had absolutely NO idea. If I had even thought I was going to a party for me....I would have dressed up, put on some make up and I would have at least TRIED to have the hair ON my head instead of in my bag. One of my 1st thoughts as the shock was wearing off was "Oh crap...I didn't even put on lipstick!" I know....vain.
Big hugs & kisses to the ones I now know were the co-conspirators in this whole thing.....An'e (you know her as Annie), Chandra, Cindy and Yvonne. An'e please pass on the hugs and kisses to your Mama & Papa....I know they helped you tremendously, too. Your Papa is Master of the Grill.
Anyway....I really don't have pictures to share of the 1st part of the party. I was so surprised that I forgot to take out my camera! Yes....I got all discombobulated and went around hugging people....and eating all that good food...instead to snapping pictures like I usually do! So I'll have to wait until the others share their pics.
Again...thanks to all for a great day...I am truly blessed to have such awesome friends. I miss and love you all.
Love,
Mel
Tiny Bumps Along The Highway
I really do have some terrific friends and family. I let some of them convince me to go wig shopping. Bought 5 wigs...and wore 1...for about 30 minutes! Originally posted August 29, 2006
Ahoy all.....
Well, it's been 1 week since my 2nd chemo tx. Not too bad this time around; tired a lot, but that's to be expected. Of course, this is the week that everyone decided to mobilize....one of my bestest friends flew in from NYC the day after chemo, my crazy cousins from San Jose decided this was the perfect weekend to drive down for a "Girls' Weekend" and this was also my final opportunity to say "farewell" to friends who were moving to the East coast due to the damn Navy....sooooooo lots of travelling around the county to be fed!
Had a great time buying wigs with my friend Juanita....pictures later. Then a repeat trip to the wig store with my cousins. I now have more hair than before chemo. I just need to decide if I'm a blonde, brunette or redhead. As fun as the wigs are, I really think I enjoy being bald. It's soooo much cooler! Plus I enjoy the shock value. One girl thought I had just shaved my head as a fashion statement.....no, she wasn't blonde.
Lunch @ Karl Strauss Brew Gardens with my friends from Navy on Friday. Too much fun, although I don't think we got Eileen to snort enough. I may be losing my touch. Yummy garlic fries with lunch, bad breath for the rest of the day.
My cousins & I got reacquainted on Friday evening and we stayed up talking and singing bad karaoke until 0130. Needless to say, I was wiped.
My Auntie Letty had me & my cousins over to her house on Saturday for REAL Filipino food. She made oxtail stew (Kare Kare) and I had so much of the shrimp sauce with it that my fingers looked like sausages the next morning and my feet wouldn't fit in my shoes.....baaaaaaaad water retention from all the salt, but it was so worth it.
Sunday was lunch with my sister-in-law's family, then more time with my friend Juanita. An altogether food-oriented week.
Monday was my appointment with my surgeon. The only bump in an otherwise pretty stellar week considering it was a post-chemo week. My right sided wound still isn't healing properly, so we decided to debride the site today. Not too bad, but unfortunate nonetheless. Dr. Lin decided to continue my Cipro for another 2 weeks. I am really getting tired to swallowing pills, but over all, no real complaints.
Well, that's about it. I'll send out pictures later.
Take care....check those Hooters....and stay in touch.
Love,
Mel
Well, it's been 1 week since my 2nd chemo tx. Not too bad this time around; tired a lot, but that's to be expected. Of course, this is the week that everyone decided to mobilize....one of my bestest friends flew in from NYC the day after chemo, my crazy cousins from San Jose decided this was the perfect weekend to drive down for a "Girls' Weekend" and this was also my final opportunity to say "farewell" to friends who were moving to the East coast due to the damn Navy....sooooooo lots of travelling around the county to be fed!
Had a great time buying wigs with my friend Juanita....pictures later. Then a repeat trip to the wig store with my cousins. I now have more hair than before chemo. I just need to decide if I'm a blonde, brunette or redhead. As fun as the wigs are, I really think I enjoy being bald. It's soooo much cooler! Plus I enjoy the shock value. One girl thought I had just shaved my head as a fashion statement.....no, she wasn't blonde.
Lunch @ Karl Strauss Brew Gardens with my friends from Navy on Friday. Too much fun, although I don't think we got Eileen to snort enough. I may be losing my touch. Yummy garlic fries with lunch, bad breath for the rest of the day.
My cousins & I got reacquainted on Friday evening and we stayed up talking and singing bad karaoke until 0130. Needless to say, I was wiped.
My Auntie Letty had me & my cousins over to her house on Saturday for REAL Filipino food. She made oxtail stew (Kare Kare) and I had so much of the shrimp sauce with it that my fingers looked like sausages the next morning and my feet wouldn't fit in my shoes.....baaaaaaaad water retention from all the salt, but it was so worth it.
Sunday was lunch with my sister-in-law's family, then more time with my friend Juanita. An altogether food-oriented week.
Monday was my appointment with my surgeon. The only bump in an otherwise pretty stellar week considering it was a post-chemo week. My right sided wound still isn't healing properly, so we decided to debride the site today. Not too bad, but unfortunate nonetheless. Dr. Lin decided to continue my Cipro for another 2 weeks. I am really getting tired to swallowing pills, but over all, no real complaints.
Well, that's about it. I'll send out pictures later.
Take care....check those Hooters....and stay in touch.
Love,
Mel
Hot Flashes, Dizzy Spells & Cramps....ALL at Once?!
A little time out for some bitching....WHAT?! Did you think I was happy ALL the time? Posted August 23, 2006
Ahoy all.....
Just a moment for some bitchin'.....
How in the world can a person have bloating, cramps & the blahs from her period, AND have hot flashes and dizzy spells????
I am almost completely bald and my head is the sweatiest part of my body. I don't know how Bruce Willis and the rest of the baldies do it, but there has got to be a secret to sweat control.
And what is with the dizzy spells? No nausea as of yet, but I stood up this morning and I had the spins! I figured it would get better if I hydrated myself and it did get better a bit. But I still have the occasional "woohoo" moment. Oh well.....I guess it's cheaper than drinking!
Okay....enough bitchin' on my part.
Take care.....and keep feeling yourselves up!!!
Love,
Mel
Just a moment for some bitchin'.....
How in the world can a person have bloating, cramps & the blahs from her period, AND have hot flashes and dizzy spells????
I am almost completely bald and my head is the sweatiest part of my body. I don't know how Bruce Willis and the rest of the baldies do it, but there has got to be a secret to sweat control.
And what is with the dizzy spells? No nausea as of yet, but I stood up this morning and I had the spins! I figured it would get better if I hydrated myself and it did get better a bit. But I still have the occasional "woohoo" moment. Oh well.....I guess it's cheaper than drinking!
Okay....enough bitchin' on my part.
Take care.....and keep feeling yourselves up!!!
Love,
Mel
2 Down, 4 More To Go!!!
I started dressing in all these wild Indian outfits during my chemotherapy. I'd wrap my head in turban and wear really bright colors...Posted this August 22, 2006
Ahoy Crazy Peeps....
Just a quick update this time. 2nd treatment went reasonably well....I hedged my karma by ordering lunch sent over for the crew (I'm superstitious....a well-fed crew is a happy crew), and things went smoothly.
Thanks again, Lisa, for the car service on chemo days. It works out great! My driver was a guy this time...cute! Don't know how you arranged for that, but extra thanks!
My counts were good today, so no Epogen or Neupogen. Probably next week though. My doctor perscribed more Percocet for the Neupogen days, so I'm ready.
Nurse got my IV in on the 1st try....BONUS!!! And NO reaction this time to the Taxotere (docetaxel) this time around.....BONUS BONUS!!!!!!!
The Emend for the nausea is working well, but @ $350/3 pills (to be taken over the 1st 3 days of chemo) it's too expensive to take for the whole week.....so Zofran & ATIVAN.....yup, you heard it....ATIVAN for nausea in chemo patients. Hmmm....I'm really gonna have to ask him about how he feels about Marinol....????
Once chemo is over.....REHAB here I come!
Anyway, really tired today. Time for another nap....my 3rd since getting home....and I haven't touched any of the Ativan!
Keep up with those Booby exams and I'll see you when I'm upright.
Love to all,
Uncle Fester (yes....from the Addams Family....if you haven't seen my recent pictures, you won't get it.)
Just a quick update this time. 2nd treatment went reasonably well....I hedged my karma by ordering lunch sent over for the crew (I'm superstitious....a well-fed crew is a happy crew), and things went smoothly.
Thanks again, Lisa, for the car service on chemo days. It works out great! My driver was a guy this time...cute! Don't know how you arranged for that, but extra thanks!
My counts were good today, so no Epogen or Neupogen. Probably next week though. My doctor perscribed more Percocet for the Neupogen days, so I'm ready.
Nurse got my IV in on the 1st try....BONUS!!! And NO reaction this time to the Taxotere (docetaxel) this time around.....BONUS BONUS!!!!!!!
The Emend for the nausea is working well, but @ $350/3 pills (to be taken over the 1st 3 days of chemo) it's too expensive to take for the whole week.....so Zofran & ATIVAN.....yup, you heard it....ATIVAN for nausea in chemo patients. Hmmm....I'm really gonna have to ask him about how he feels about Marinol....????
Once chemo is over.....REHAB here I come!
Anyway, really tired today. Time for another nap....my 3rd since getting home....and I haven't touched any of the Ativan!
Keep up with those Booby exams and I'll see you when I'm upright.
Love to all,
Uncle Fester (yes....from the Addams Family....if you haven't seen my recent pictures, you won't get it.)
I Am SMOOOOOTH!!!
Rather than waiting for my hair to fall out from chemotherapy, a group of us got together at a friends house and everyone took turns cutting off my hair on August 17th....My post of the event on August 18, 2006
Hey Gang....
Here are some pictures of me & my brother. I cut his hair down during my shearing party. He hasn't had hair this short in more than 10 years!
I also shaved off all the stubble off my head. I woke up yesterday morning with a pillow covered with thousands of stubblies, sooooo.....stubblies are GONE!!!
Love to all,
Mel
Updating My Peeps
Sometimes my friends would freak out...and I'd have to put the kibosh on their panic...Originally posted August 14, 2006
Hey to all my Peeps.....
Febrile again today. Fluid from my right side now has a slightly foul odor....great...I offend myself! Dr. Lin put me on Cipro for 2 weeks. More antibiotics! Ugh!!! I'm so tired of swallowing pills already!
Just thought I'd whine to you guys instead of the whole list of folks. Just a short weak moment. I know you guys will understand. The rest of the folks freak out when I'm not freaking Pollyanna all the time. What...a girl can't get grumpy every once in a while??? And every time I have a little bit of an event...like a fever or whatever...I get all these e-mails to check if I'm on the verge of death....ARRRRRGH!!! Okay....much better...for now.
Oh....AND I'M HAVING HOT FLASHES!!!! Think of it.....me in perpetual PMS mode. Aren't you all glad you don't live with me!!!!
Okay....enough bitching from me....hope to see you all on Thursday for the start of my adventure into baldness.....wooohooo!!!! KOJAK!!!!!
Love to all,
Mel
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Dealing With Pain and Moving In
Well...12 days after my 1st chemotherapy treatment, I moved in with friends in a town closer to the hospital...I have such great friends & family! Originally posted this on August 12, 2006...I've deleted addresses & contact numbers for obvious reasons...
Ahoy all....
I am FINALLY a Lemon Grove resident. My brother and sister-in-law and I moved my stuff over to my friends, Kelly & Jerry, house today. My new/temporary address with be
Melissa Morada
Lemon Grove, CA 91945 at least until I am done with chemotherapy.
A big "Thank you" to all who have sent cards and letters and more, to both my brother's home and to Kelly's. I finally got the ones sent to the Lemon Grove address today. I have enjoyed reading all the cards and letters. And the treats are awesome....but my butt is HUGE, so please, no more. I have received the best stuffed friends to keep me company during my chemo treatments and afterwards, thank you so much.
My contact numbers remain the same.
Well, that's all for now.
Take care and do those booby exams....even the guys!
Love to all,
Mel
Received some necessary meds...and experienced their painful side-effects...originally posted August 10, 2006
Ahoy All.....
Yes...I'm up writing an update at 0100. I just took 2 Percocets and wanted
to write this update before they kicked in....
I find writing these updates have been theraputic for me and I hope that I
don't bore any of you. If any of you would like to be taken off the
list....let me know. No harm, no foul.
If you've read my recent updates, you'll know that I had a shot of Epogen &
Neupogen to boost my Hemoglobin and my Neutrophil count. They told me the
possible side effects, but I felt great all day yesterday and
today...probably the best I've felt in the past 5 wks since surgery!
Well, let me tell you, brothers and sisters....that old saying "I have
spoken too soon"...is an understatement!!! Hence...the 2 Percocets.
Late this evening, I started having increasingly intense bone pain. My long
bones are throbbing like they want to push their way out of my body...like
being punched from the inside of your muscles. My back and pelvis started in
not too long after and my sternum is doing the throb, too.
They had told me that bone pain was a frequent side effect in getting the
Neupogen and let me tell you......Ooooooweeeeee.....they are not kidding.
For my sisters out there...let me draw you a picture.....take your worst
case of menstrual cramps and now multiply it by...oh 5-6 times and now
imagine it all over your body.
Thank GOD I have such good and learned friends. I called my friends at
various places....1st to just distract me from the on-going pain, but then
to also, hopefully get some much needed advice. I had taken Advil, but no
luck. I am thankful that I had saved my Percocets from surgery and have now
taken some and hopefully will start to feel better.
I guess I also am writing this to educate all of us who may give or get
Neupogen one day. If you are giving it to a patient....remember this....it
is necessary, but EVIL. If your patient acts out of it's mind soon after
receiving this drug, you will know that it from PAIN. I've given it once or
twice in the past, and let me tell you, I will never give it again without
asking if it is ABSOLUTELY necessary. I hope to never inflict this on
another human being.
Thanks to all of you who put up with my early morning rambling....it helped
(and helps) tremendously. By the way.....I love you guys!
Love to all,
Mel
Received some necessary meds...and experienced their painful side-effects...originally posted August 10, 2006
Ahoy All.....
Yes...I'm up writing an update at 0100. I just took 2 Percocets and wanted
to write this update before they kicked in....
I find writing these updates have been theraputic for me and I hope that I
don't bore any of you. If any of you would like to be taken off the
list....let me know. No harm, no foul.
If you've read my recent updates, you'll know that I had a shot of Epogen &
Neupogen to boost my Hemoglobin and my Neutrophil count. They told me the
possible side effects, but I felt great all day yesterday and
today...probably the best I've felt in the past 5 wks since surgery!
Well, let me tell you, brothers and sisters....that old saying "I have
spoken too soon"...is an understatement!!! Hence...the 2 Percocets.
Late this evening, I started having increasingly intense bone pain. My long
bones are throbbing like they want to push their way out of my body...like
being punched from the inside of your muscles. My back and pelvis started in
not too long after and my sternum is doing the throb, too.
They had told me that bone pain was a frequent side effect in getting the
Neupogen and let me tell you......Ooooooweeeeee.....they are not kidding.
For my sisters out there...let me draw you a picture.....take your worst
case of menstrual cramps and now multiply it by...oh 5-6 times and now
imagine it all over your body.
Thank GOD I have such good and learned friends. I called my friends at
various places....1st to just distract me from the on-going pain, but then
to also, hopefully get some much needed advice. I had taken Advil, but no
luck. I am thankful that I had saved my Percocets from surgery and have now
taken some and hopefully will start to feel better.
I guess I also am writing this to educate all of us who may give or get
Neupogen one day. If you are giving it to a patient....remember this....it
is necessary, but EVIL. If your patient acts out of it's mind soon after
receiving this drug, you will know that it from PAIN. I've given it once or
twice in the past, and let me tell you, I will never give it again without
asking if it is ABSOLUTELY necessary. I hope to never inflict this on
another human being.
Thanks to all of you who put up with my early morning rambling....it helped
(and helps) tremendously. By the way.....I love you guys!
Love to all,
Mel
1st Chemo Treatment Was A Doozy...And the Rumor Mill Was WORSE!
People Never Read The ENTIRE E-mail...panic ensued amongst my friends after rumor had it that my cancer was out of control; I received multiple phone calls from hysterical friends. My response...also posted August 2, 2006
Wow...the 1st chemotherapy treatment was August 1, 2006...I think I posted this 2 days later...
Ahoy All...
Well, after many spikes in both fever & sugars, my oncologist (cancer doctor) decided to go ahead and start my chemotherapy. My sister-in-law, Cheryl was a sweetie, and came with me. I didn't get a central line because the risk of infection is too great, so they're hoping my veins will last through all 6 chemotherapy sessions.
It didn't start off too promisingly...6 IV attempts before they could get a good one in...I know...I'm a big baby. But...Owwwwww! My nurses were all very nice, they warned me that I might have a reaction to the 1st chemo treatment....ooops...I think I scared them as much as I scared myself. They gave me the pre-chemo meds and I did well. Then, they started the 1st med (I'm going to get 2 meds per treatment, every 3 weeks, 6 treatments total) Adriamycin and it went well. I was getting drowsy from the Benadryl they gave me so I sent Cheryl to lunch since I didn't want her sitting around during the 2 hour part of the treatment. BAD IDEA.
Cheryl had just left for lunch and they had just started the 2nd med, Taxotere. About 10 minutes into it, I started to feel weird. Like REALLY weird. I got my eyes open and saw a nurse standing nearby. Not MY nurse, but hey, who cares! I called her name and told her I was feeling strange...then strange got waaaay stranger. My lips went numb, I suddenly felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest, I couldn't breathe very well and I started getting shooting pains in my kidneys. Needless to say, they stopped the Taxotere and called my doctor right away. I was writhing around in the Barco-Lounger (they have these big chairs that can have their feet propped up that we sit in during chemo) trying to make the pain go away. My doctor came over, took a quick look, ordered more Benadryl and steroids and told them to restart my Taxotere. YIKES!
Well...if anyone is familiar with Benadryl...it will knock a person on their keister if they're a light weight. I may be a chunky ass, but I don't do drink or drugs very well...or maybe I do it too well...because it doesn't take very much to slap me silly. After the 2nd massive dose of Benadryl, I was toast. I hope I wasnt sitting there drooing because I know I was sawing logs pretty hard.
Poor Cheryl. We told her what happened after she left. I think she felt bad about not being there, but I'm kind of glad she wasn't, 'cause I would hate to scare her. It's early days yet. There are scarier things along the way, I'm sure. Anyway...1 down, 5 to go!!! 2nd go-round on August 22....woohoo!!!
My doctor says that I can expect my hair to start falling out between 14 & 21 days after my 1st treatment....so...I have decided that I am going to take the bull by the horns and have my friends and family shear me like a sheep instead of having it trickle off my head like snow. More on that later....you'll get an invite.
Love,
Mel
Ahoy to All.....
This is an update.....
1st of all.....EVERYONE STOP THE PANIC!!! I AM FINE!!!
If you are not going to read the entire e-mail carefully....I will stop sending them out!!!!
Yes, they thought they saw something on my liver during an ultrasound. Yes, they did a CT. The CT was NORMAL. They saw a few gallstones, but they are not bugging me, so they get to stay...for now.
I had my 1st chemo treatment yesterday, August 1st. They have me on Adriamycin and Taxol. They premedicated me on Decadron, Kytril & Benadryl. I did fine with the Adriamycin, but unfortunately had a bit of a reaction 10 minutes into the Taxol....chest pressure, flank pain, shortness of breath, so they stopped it and the reaction stopped. They gave me a 2nd dose of pre-medication (I got a total of 100mg of Benadryl!!! Wooohooo!!!) And restarted the Taxol without other problems.
Needless to say, I slept the rest of the day away. I woke up (briefly) for a bowl of soup and more Kytril (anti-nausea, anti-vomiting) and went back to sleep until 0830 this morning. I feel okay. A little nauseated this afternoon, but hopefully will be getting my 2nd medication approved today.
Anybody know of a doctor who will write for medicinal marijuana??? Kidding....at least for now!
Anyway...That is the scoop.
Oh...and my doctor says that I will probably lose my hair in about 3 weeks, so I figure we should have a shearing party around August 17th or 18th. Anybody wanna come help shear me????
Love,
Mel
Wow...the 1st chemotherapy treatment was August 1, 2006...I think I posted this 2 days later...
Ahoy All...
Well, after many spikes in both fever & sugars, my oncologist (cancer doctor) decided to go ahead and start my chemotherapy. My sister-in-law, Cheryl was a sweetie, and came with me. I didn't get a central line because the risk of infection is too great, so they're hoping my veins will last through all 6 chemotherapy sessions.
It didn't start off too promisingly...6 IV attempts before they could get a good one in...I know...I'm a big baby. But...Owwwwww! My nurses were all very nice, they warned me that I might have a reaction to the 1st chemo treatment....ooops...I think I scared them as much as I scared myself. They gave me the pre-chemo meds and I did well. Then, they started the 1st med (I'm going to get 2 meds per treatment, every 3 weeks, 6 treatments total) Adriamycin and it went well. I was getting drowsy from the Benadryl they gave me so I sent Cheryl to lunch since I didn't want her sitting around during the 2 hour part of the treatment. BAD IDEA.
Cheryl had just left for lunch and they had just started the 2nd med, Taxotere. About 10 minutes into it, I started to feel weird. Like REALLY weird. I got my eyes open and saw a nurse standing nearby. Not MY nurse, but hey, who cares! I called her name and told her I was feeling strange...then strange got waaaay stranger. My lips went numb, I suddenly felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest, I couldn't breathe very well and I started getting shooting pains in my kidneys. Needless to say, they stopped the Taxotere and called my doctor right away. I was writhing around in the Barco-Lounger (they have these big chairs that can have their feet propped up that we sit in during chemo) trying to make the pain go away. My doctor came over, took a quick look, ordered more Benadryl and steroids and told them to restart my Taxotere. YIKES!
Well...if anyone is familiar with Benadryl...it will knock a person on their keister if they're a light weight. I may be a chunky ass, but I don't do drink or drugs very well...or maybe I do it too well...because it doesn't take very much to slap me silly. After the 2nd massive dose of Benadryl, I was toast. I hope I wasnt sitting there drooing because I know I was sawing logs pretty hard.
Poor Cheryl. We told her what happened after she left. I think she felt bad about not being there, but I'm kind of glad she wasn't, 'cause I would hate to scare her. It's early days yet. There are scarier things along the way, I'm sure. Anyway...1 down, 5 to go!!! 2nd go-round on August 22....woohoo!!!
My doctor says that I can expect my hair to start falling out between 14 & 21 days after my 1st treatment....so...I have decided that I am going to take the bull by the horns and have my friends and family shear me like a sheep instead of having it trickle off my head like snow. More on that later....you'll get an invite.
Love,
Mel
The Next 21 Days After Surgery
Had my double mastectomy July 5, 2006...the surgery was easier than I thought. Then came the healing...NOT! Originally posted July 26, 2006
Ahoy to All....
Saw my surgeon on Monday, he put me on 14 days of Levoquin and told me he's pulling my drain on Friday since it will have been greater than 3 weeks post-op by then....and he's going on vacation for 2wks. YIPEE!!! One more day of a self-induced Percocet buzz!! My surgeon
says the Percocet shouldn't be necessary for a simple drain removal....I say I'll go without the Percocet if he lets me yank on his curlies while he yanks the drainout....hmmmm....I don't think I'm in any danger of him taking me up on that!
I went in for my abdominal/pelvic CT this morning. Had to drink this nasty stuff and get an IV for contrast, too. YUCK. But the procedure itself isn't as bad as the prep. Prep time was 1 hour, but the procedure was quick...I was out of there in 15 minutes. Don't know the results yet. I have faith that it will be okay.
I have also decided that having CA is like having a mid-life crisis. No, I haven't bought a sportscar...that's a guy thing. Anyone who knows me well, knows that when I get bored, or antsy, or need to let off steam, I don't "go out for a run" or "do yoga" or any of that....no, either do some major retail therapy, or I do something with my hair.
Well....................................................................it was definitely a hair day! I decided I needed to take my future hairloss by the neck and shake it up a bit. So my friend Tassia (my friend Matt's step-daughter)razor cut it and we colored the ends hot pink in honor of "Breast Cancer Awareness". If the stuff is going to fall out, it's going to fall out MY way. I like it. I kinda look like a chunky parrot!
Anyway...that's the most recent news. I get the drain out Friday, then according to my oncologist, I start chemo a week from today, Tuesday, August 1st.
Everyone take care.....and do your breast exams!!!
Love to all,
Mel
The Ba-Zillion Dollar Work-Up
...More delays...Originally posted July 22, 2006
Ahoy Gang,
Many thanks to all of you for all the cards, letters, presents, flowers and prayers. They are much appreciated. The mastectomy was physically hard...a lot harder than I thought...but emotionally, it wasn't the devastation that I thought I would feel. I guess I just never equated my boobs with my sexual identity as a woman; I know I'm a woman and don't need my ta-tas to remind me of that fact. On that note, I'm a bit ambivalent about getting reconstruction right now. Not that it's really an option at the moment.
As you know I had my left drain pulled, then had problems. Of course I was running a 102F temp by the next day; my surgeon's on-call partner was no help..."I can't tell you what to do over the phone." So I ended up in the ER with the ba-zillion dollar work-up to figure out why I was febrile. No answers...got blood work, peed in a cup and had a CAT scan that is going to cramp my style right in the pocketbook...but no answers. Sigh.
Not to mention that my blood sugar is steadily rising. Not a good sign. I need to get it under control or I'm never going to heal. It's stalling my chemotherapy treatments. Okay...positive thoughts now...
Anyway...that's it from this end. Remember...HAVE YOU DONE YOUR BOOBIE CHECKS?!
Love to all,
Mel
The Engine Is ALL Rev'd Up, But The Transmission Is Stalled
2 Weeks After Surgery...YUK! Originally posted July 20, 2006...
Hola Mis Amigos......
Here's the scoop....don't read any further if you get queasy easily.....
Woke up early this morning to go to my surgeon's office for follow up. My PJ's were soaked on the left side....I thought my right side drain had opened and poured out.
Noooooooo.....
A small area of my left incision had opened....about 1cm....and was draining dark pink-yellow fluid. Not painful. No odor. But definitely draining. Called my surgeon and he said that unless I was feeling badly, or my temp was up or such, that he'd see me in the office. Since I actually felt better this morning than I had in a while, I decided to continue to let the wound drain, take a few Percocets just in case he decided to get adventurous with my remaining drain and see him in the office.
Percocets are a great, God-given creation. Unfortunately they were not necessary today and I wasted a nice buzz on 2 office visits. My surgeon is having me continue with the Keflex and allowing the wound to drain on it's own for now. I see him again on Monday.
Went & saw my oncologist. I'm already tired of having my labs drawn. But at least I know that my WBC are still 12.5, my HCT is 28.5, and I don't have any bands (for those of you who were going to ask).
As can be expected....NO CHEMO TODAY. He's gonna see me in 8 days (that would be on Friday) to furthur evaluate and possibly start chemo then. We will be starting AT (adriamycin and taxol), so Kojak here I come...."Who loves ya, baby???".....For now, I have decided NO WIGS. Maybe a biker chick bandana or an exotic turban. I'll go around looking like some sorta gypsy and make money on the sly by telling fortunes!!!
Anyway....that's the rathery yucky update from today. At least I know where my temp was coming from!!!!
Take care & love to all,
Mel
Ahoy to All....
Saw my surgeon on Monday, he put me on 14 days of Levoquin and told me he's pulling my drain on Friday since it will have been greater than 3 weeks post-op by then....and he's going on vacation for 2wks. YIPEE!!! One more day of a self-induced Percocet buzz!! My surgeon
says the Percocet shouldn't be necessary for a simple drain removal....I say I'll go without the Percocet if he lets me yank on his curlies while he yanks the drainout....hmmmm....I don't think I'm in any danger of him taking me up on that!
I went in for my abdominal/pelvic CT this morning. Had to drink this nasty stuff and get an IV for contrast, too. YUCK. But the procedure itself isn't as bad as the prep. Prep time was 1 hour, but the procedure was quick...I was out of there in 15 minutes. Don't know the results yet. I have faith that it will be okay.
I have also decided that having CA is like having a mid-life crisis. No, I haven't bought a sportscar...that's a guy thing. Anyone who knows me well, knows that when I get bored, or antsy, or need to let off steam, I don't "go out for a run" or "do yoga" or any of that....no, either do some major retail therapy, or I do something with my hair.
Well....................................................................it was definitely a hair day! I decided I needed to take my future hairloss by the neck and shake it up a bit. So my friend Tassia (my friend Matt's step-daughter)razor cut it and we colored the ends hot pink in honor of "Breast Cancer Awareness". If the stuff is going to fall out, it's going to fall out MY way. I like it. I kinda look like a chunky parrot!
Anyway...that's the most recent news. I get the drain out Friday, then according to my oncologist, I start chemo a week from today, Tuesday, August 1st.
Everyone take care.....and do your breast exams!!!
Love to all,
Mel
The Ba-Zillion Dollar Work-Up
...More delays...Originally posted July 22, 2006
Ahoy Gang,
Many thanks to all of you for all the cards, letters, presents, flowers and prayers. They are much appreciated. The mastectomy was physically hard...a lot harder than I thought...but emotionally, it wasn't the devastation that I thought I would feel. I guess I just never equated my boobs with my sexual identity as a woman; I know I'm a woman and don't need my ta-tas to remind me of that fact. On that note, I'm a bit ambivalent about getting reconstruction right now. Not that it's really an option at the moment.
As you know I had my left drain pulled, then had problems. Of course I was running a 102F temp by the next day; my surgeon's on-call partner was no help..."I can't tell you what to do over the phone." So I ended up in the ER with the ba-zillion dollar work-up to figure out why I was febrile. No answers...got blood work, peed in a cup and had a CAT scan that is going to cramp my style right in the pocketbook...but no answers. Sigh.
Not to mention that my blood sugar is steadily rising. Not a good sign. I need to get it under control or I'm never going to heal. It's stalling my chemotherapy treatments. Okay...positive thoughts now...
Anyway...that's it from this end. Remember...HAVE YOU DONE YOUR BOOBIE CHECKS?!
Love to all,
Mel
The Engine Is ALL Rev'd Up, But The Transmission Is Stalled
2 Weeks After Surgery...YUK! Originally posted July 20, 2006...
Hola Mis Amigos......
Here's the scoop....don't read any further if you get queasy easily.....
Woke up early this morning to go to my surgeon's office for follow up. My PJ's were soaked on the left side....I thought my right side drain had opened and poured out.
Noooooooo.....
A small area of my left incision had opened....about 1cm....and was draining dark pink-yellow fluid. Not painful. No odor. But definitely draining. Called my surgeon and he said that unless I was feeling badly, or my temp was up or such, that he'd see me in the office. Since I actually felt better this morning than I had in a while, I decided to continue to let the wound drain, take a few Percocets just in case he decided to get adventurous with my remaining drain and see him in the office.
Percocets are a great, God-given creation. Unfortunately they were not necessary today and I wasted a nice buzz on 2 office visits. My surgeon is having me continue with the Keflex and allowing the wound to drain on it's own for now. I see him again on Monday.
Went & saw my oncologist. I'm already tired of having my labs drawn. But at least I know that my WBC are still 12.5, my HCT is 28.5, and I don't have any bands (for those of you who were going to ask).
As can be expected....NO CHEMO TODAY. He's gonna see me in 8 days (that would be on Friday) to furthur evaluate and possibly start chemo then. We will be starting AT (adriamycin and taxol), so Kojak here I come...."Who loves ya, baby???".....For now, I have decided NO WIGS. Maybe a biker chick bandana or an exotic turban. I'll go around looking like some sorta gypsy and make money on the sly by telling fortunes!!!
Anyway....that's the rathery yucky update from today. At least I know where my temp was coming from!!!!
Take care & love to all,
Mel
What Happened Next
After the Bilateral Mastectomy on July 5, 2006...Originally posted July 11, 2006
One week after diagnosis...June 29, 2006
Hi Gang....
This is going to be a shock to some of you on this list, but many of you already know...I have breast cancer.
It's a long story, and I really don't want to keep repeating it, but essentially, I found it, the doctors are finally taking me seriously, I've opted for bilateral mastectomy with chemo to follow.
Physically, I am as strong as I can be. Emotionally, I am relieved to finally have a plan of action and am very much at peace with the decisions I have made. I appreciate all the prayers, well-wishes and support that I have been offered; they help a lot. At this juncture, I don't know of anything that anyone can do to make me feel any more supported; knowing that you are all with me in spirit is more than enough for now. Be warned, however, because I will be calling!
Surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, July 5th. We've moved up the time to 10am. (Thank GOD! I don't know if I could have stayed NPO until 1600 as originally scheduled!!!).
And finally, a little bit of nagging....Breast Self-Exams...DO THEM, GET THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE TO DO THEM, AND MAKE YOUR DOCTOR LISTEN TO YOU!
Okay....that's enough of that....
With much love,
Mel
Hi Gang....
Just an update from home. I've been home for 4 days now....yup...went
home on Friday 07/07 after 2 days in the hospital post-mastectomy.
Gotta love those Percocets! Much thanks and love to my nurses at
Grossmont Hospital, they were awesome with the pain management. I was
up and walking the next morning, 07/06; my doctor would have sent me
home that day, but I decided to stay 1 more day.
Went home with 2 JP drains; not too bad, but kinda uncomfortable at
times. Should be getting my drains out this Thursday, 07/13. Not
looking forward to that; will be pre-medicating accordingly.
On the cancer update, so far my nodes (they only did the Sentinnel
nodes from the right side) have been negative; should get the final
analysis on Thursday as well. The bad news is that they did find a 5mm
cancer in the left side during routine dissection; my surgeon wanted
to know if I have ESP because I insisted on them removing the left
breast as well. Will know the plan of care as soon as I speak to my
oncologist, Dr. Clune.
I want to thank everyone for all their thoughts and prayers; they have
been very motivating. And thank you for all the cards, flowers and
gifts as well. My room smelled like a garden and was very popular
with the nurses and volunteers while I was in the hospital; they
were/are beautiful.
Well....gotta go take a little walk. Yes, me...walking. Yuk. Gotta
do what I gotta do!!!
Love to all,
Mel
One week after diagnosis...June 29, 2006
Hi Gang....
This is going to be a shock to some of you on this list, but many of you already know...I have breast cancer.
It's a long story, and I really don't want to keep repeating it, but essentially, I found it, the doctors are finally taking me seriously, I've opted for bilateral mastectomy with chemo to follow.
Physically, I am as strong as I can be. Emotionally, I am relieved to finally have a plan of action and am very much at peace with the decisions I have made. I appreciate all the prayers, well-wishes and support that I have been offered; they help a lot. At this juncture, I don't know of anything that anyone can do to make me feel any more supported; knowing that you are all with me in spirit is more than enough for now. Be warned, however, because I will be calling!
Surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, July 5th. We've moved up the time to 10am. (Thank GOD! I don't know if I could have stayed NPO until 1600 as originally scheduled!!!).
And finally, a little bit of nagging....Breast Self-Exams...DO THEM, GET THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE TO DO THEM, AND MAKE YOUR DOCTOR LISTEN TO YOU!
Okay....that's enough of that....
With much love,
Mel
How It All Started
I posted this on my other blog just to explain about how my journey through cancer started...or how I told my friends & family about my cancer. I found that I had a hard time calling everyone individually and having to re-hash everything over again. So, after a while I decided just to write it down and send it to them. This was originally sent June 23, 2006...the day after I finally got diagnosed.
Subject: Breast Self-Exams and the Pigheaded,
40 year old Filipino...an update
Hi Gang,
As many of you are aware, I am turning the big 4-0 this September. With
that in mind, I have been eagerly planning a big trip to Italy.
My 1st LONG vacation. I can't wait.
Everyone tells me that 40 is the new 30...we'll see. God tends to
throw in a few speed bumps along the way to remind us that with all
the good in life, there are times that you will come to a glitch or
two....a minor rut along the pavement....or a big, body jarring
pothole.
This past April, during a routine breast self-exam, I found a tiny,
lentil-sized bump. Nothing too out of place, but different from
usual. In May, during a trip to Vegas with friends, I noted that
that tiny lump had grown; now it was the size of a pea. I freaked.
Immediately went to see my doctor. "It's probably nothing" is a
phrase I hope never to hear for a very long time. Thank God I'm
pigheaded (those of you who know me would say that that's an
understatement) and insisted on a mammogram. The mammogram lead to
an ultrasound, the ultrasound lead to several suggestions that
"It's probably nothing" but that if I insisted, I could get a needle
-aspiration biopsy. I opted to push for an open, excisional biopsy.
After much eye-rolling from various physicians, I got my way and had
a small, seemingly innocuous 1cm X 1.5cm lump excised from under
my right nipple on June 15th.
After an week of healing, I got my results on June 22nd. I wish
I could tell you that my doctors were right. I wish I could say
that I'm just a big hypochondriac. I wish a lot of things. But
as I said, God tends to throw in a few potholes in the road of
life; this is one in mine. I have breast cancer.
I'm doing okay...for now; the time for freaking out will come later.
I'm getting to the pissed off time now...."It's probably nothing"
....is now something and part of me wants to go up to each and every
one of those doctors...1GP...2 radiologists...and 1 surgeon...and
mop the floor with them.
Now, you all know that I have some great friends who happen to be
great doctors. Caring, diligent, smart and compassionate, all of
them. But if there are any real lessons that I can pass on to them
and to all of my friends it's this...When someone...a patient....
a friend...a family member...tells you that something is "wrong",
something is "different", something "isn't right" BELIEVE them.
And for all of you who don't do your self-exams...two words: DO IT. And
BELIEVE it. We should know ourselves well enough to know when
something isn't normal for our body. If you even have the thought
in the back of your head "oh, that's different" get it checked out.
And DO NOT let ANYBODY tell you that "IT'S PROBABLY NOTHING". Be
persistent. Be insistent. Be PIGHEADED.
And have a plan of attack in mind if you do get bad news. I want
to take the most aggressive approach. It's early days yet and no
surgeries have been scheduled. I have been referred to an oncologist
and a plastic surgeon. Because the cancer was found right in the
nipple area, the usual treatment is a mastectomy and I'm okay with
that. As a matter of fact, I wish to have both breasts removed to
eliminate the chance of reocurrance. My surgeon seems to think
that I'm being a bit reactionary, but hey, what does he know...
he thought that it was "probably nothing".
Anyway...that's my life as of today. I have every intention of
stepping off the plane in Rome come September 9th. I intend to
celebrate my 40th by toasting a Roman sunset over St. Peter's
Basilica on September 11th. I intend to see Florence and drink wine
in Tuscany. I will be seeing Venice and the pigeons in St. Mark's
Square. I will be visiting my friends, Lisa & Steven in Sicily.
I will be chasing Zachary around Sigonella. And hopefully, if Lisa
will cooperate, I will still be there when she has Zachary's little
sister! These were my plans before this little bump in the road,
these are my plans now. If you thought I was pigheaded before...
you haven't seen anything yet.
Love to all,
Mel
Subject: Breast Self-Exams and the Pigheaded,
40 year old Filipino...an update
Hi Gang,
As many of you are aware, I am turning the big 4-0 this September. With
that in mind, I have been eagerly planning a big trip to Italy.
My 1st LONG vacation. I can't wait.
Everyone tells me that 40 is the new 30...we'll see. God tends to
throw in a few speed bumps along the way to remind us that with all
the good in life, there are times that you will come to a glitch or
two....a minor rut along the pavement....or a big, body jarring
pothole.
This past April, during a routine breast self-exam, I found a tiny,
lentil-sized bump. Nothing too out of place, but different from
usual. In May, during a trip to Vegas with friends, I noted that
that tiny lump had grown; now it was the size of a pea. I freaked.
Immediately went to see my doctor. "It's probably nothing" is a
phrase I hope never to hear for a very long time. Thank God I'm
pigheaded (those of you who know me would say that that's an
understatement) and insisted on a mammogram. The mammogram lead to
an ultrasound, the ultrasound lead to several suggestions that
"It's probably nothing" but that if I insisted, I could get a needle
-aspiration biopsy. I opted to push for an open, excisional biopsy.
After much eye-rolling from various physicians, I got my way and had
a small, seemingly innocuous 1cm X 1.5cm lump excised from under
my right nipple on June 15th.
After an week of healing, I got my results on June 22nd. I wish
I could tell you that my doctors were right. I wish I could say
that I'm just a big hypochondriac. I wish a lot of things. But
as I said, God tends to throw in a few potholes in the road of
life; this is one in mine. I have breast cancer.
I'm doing okay...for now; the time for freaking out will come later.
I'm getting to the pissed off time now...."It's probably nothing"
....is now something and part of me wants to go up to each and every
one of those doctors...1GP...2 radiologists...and 1 surgeon...and
mop the floor with them.
Now, you all know that I have some great friends who happen to be
great doctors. Caring, diligent, smart and compassionate, all of
them. But if there are any real lessons that I can pass on to them
and to all of my friends it's this...When someone...a patient....
a friend...a family member...tells you that something is "wrong",
something is "different", something "isn't right" BELIEVE them.
And for all of you who don't do your self-exams...two words: DO IT. And
BELIEVE it. We should know ourselves well enough to know when
something isn't normal for our body. If you even have the thought
in the back of your head "oh, that's different" get it checked out.
And DO NOT let ANYBODY tell you that "IT'S PROBABLY NOTHING". Be
persistent. Be insistent. Be PIGHEADED.
And have a plan of attack in mind if you do get bad news. I want
to take the most aggressive approach. It's early days yet and no
surgeries have been scheduled. I have been referred to an oncologist
and a plastic surgeon. Because the cancer was found right in the
nipple area, the usual treatment is a mastectomy and I'm okay with
that. As a matter of fact, I wish to have both breasts removed to
eliminate the chance of reocurrance. My surgeon seems to think
that I'm being a bit reactionary, but hey, what does he know...
he thought that it was "probably nothing".
Anyway...that's my life as of today. I have every intention of
stepping off the plane in Rome come September 9th. I intend to
celebrate my 40th by toasting a Roman sunset over St. Peter's
Basilica on September 11th. I intend to see Florence and drink wine
in Tuscany. I will be seeing Venice and the pigeons in St. Mark's
Square. I will be visiting my friends, Lisa & Steven in Sicily.
I will be chasing Zachary around Sigonella. And hopefully, if Lisa
will cooperate, I will still be there when she has Zachary's little
sister! These were my plans before this little bump in the road,
these are my plans now. If you thought I was pigheaded before...
you haven't seen anything yet.
Love to all,
Mel
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