Lookin' Good!
Not me per se but my blood that has been so absolutely whacky lately! I went to Dr. Stone yesterday for my follow-up post-chemo and she said "no evidence of disease" (she doesn't like to use the words "in remission") I'll take whatever vocabulary words she wants, all of the above sound wonderful to me. She was concerned, understandably about my blood and releasing me to fly so soon, so we agreed to have one more blood test done before I leave Saturday for Baltimore, my home base.
I had my blood drawn this morning and WBC count is 1350, platelets that were 38,000 last week are 125,000 which is nearing the normal level of 130,000 to 450,000, still a tad low but sure beats last weeks count. My hemoglobin and hematocrit both of which triggered the need for 3 units of blood and a bag of magnesium went from 7.21.to 11.1 and ? to 33 WOOHOO!
I am apprehensive about flying, neuropathy still an issue but something I can learn to live with if necessary. Dr. Stone said that sometimes it is irreversable, i'm hoping mine will improve but I'll be fine.
I start my three day trip on Monday with overnights in Buffalo and Jacksonville and then I'll fly home on Wednesday as soon as I return to Baltimore. I'll be home for 6 days to rest and set Tim's mind at ease. Then I'M OFF AGAIN! Whoop, whoop!!!
I don't look all that great right now, I wish my hair, eyebrows and lashes would get a move on, I need them. Let's see how creative I can get with makeup and of course my wigs. I have to remember not to touch my forehead so often, sometimes I end up with only one eyebrow!Tim never says anything but I can judge by the strange looks I get that something is amiss!
I can't wait to fly, I have missed it dearly. I hope God and I are insync with his plan, it has been hard for me to step back and let him have it. Stubborn ol' cuss (I mean me not him!) I will touch base with all of you before I take to the skies Saturday morning, God Bless.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
20 Lashes With a Wet Noodle!!
I have been terribly remiss in keeping everyone informed about my progress or regress and I apologize. I have a bad case of Neuopathy in my hands and feet so typing and writing is an interesting adventure, AND walking, holy moly! I'll give you the lowdown on that in a minute.
My blood counts have been roller-coastering because of the buildup of chemotherapy. I had a trip to my daughter's in Austin planned to try out my "wings" and legs and mostly to get away from Dodge and check on my self confidence as far as flying, traveling, getting through security, yada, yada, yada!
I knew I would have to take it easy because of the low blood counts so I wore a mask to fly and got to Austin Wednesday afternoon. The rest of that day I did well, Thursday I did well, but Friday blood counts crashed and burned with a killer headache and vomiting to equal the chick on the Exorcist!. My daughter and Loren took me to Scott White ER where I was pumped full of fluids and meds to stabilize dehydration and everything else. Scary, but I made it through went back to their house and the next three days were fine. Tiffany and Loren pampered me and made me feel special and soaking in their garden tub does wonders for my soul.
I flew back on Tuesday the 26th and landed in Little Rock at 11:00 AM. (Now this is where the adventures of walking with Neuropathy come in), I have very little feeling in my feet so I can't judge the thickness of the floor or my steps very well until this stuff wears off. While walking into the airport off of the plane several ladies stopped in front of me where the carpet met the marble floor. I tried to stop and go around them but my heel got caught in my roller bag and I went flying, (probably looked like a Daddy Long Legs doing a dying act!) It took three gentlemen to pick me up off the marble floor, none of us could get any traction! One man asked me if I had ever thought of trying this stunt sober? I replied, "does it work?", and he said "Oh Yeah!" A very nice witty gentleman! Needless to say I have some beautiful, large purple grape colored spots on my body now.
I had bloodwork done Wednesday morning and ended up in the hospital Wednesday afternoon to get 3 units of blood. Yep I was a few quarts low, no wonder I felt like I'd been rolled a few times by a steam-roller! I came home yesterday afternoon, slept the rest of the day and night and feel great today. Kind of fitting that I did the vampire blood thing right before Halloween, don't you think? I can still see my reflection in the mirror so I'm safe! Glad to get this out of the way now and build my strength up. I go back to LIttle Rock for my follow up with Dr. Stone on Monday along with a CT scan that morning. and then I am scheduled to fly up to Baltimore on the 6th of November with my first trip on line on the 8th. I have an easy three day trip and then home on the 10th with 6 days at home. I promise all of you lovely concerned folks that I'm not jumping the gun, that I am fine and will pace myself, of course my stubborness is a big part of my strength, go figure. So don't grab for that phone or keyboard to chastise me, I'm OK! Honest! I think getting back to my life and routine will make a world of difference. Also the doctor finally prescribed something (Lyrica) for the Neuropathy, WooHoo! Helloooo feet, where have you been?!
I'll do better on touching base with all of you, there was just so much going on, I wasn't sure where to start, besides, I still owe you a video of a happy jig. God Bless you.
I have been terribly remiss in keeping everyone informed about my progress or regress and I apologize. I have a bad case of Neuopathy in my hands and feet so typing and writing is an interesting adventure, AND walking, holy moly! I'll give you the lowdown on that in a minute.
My blood counts have been roller-coastering because of the buildup of chemotherapy. I had a trip to my daughter's in Austin planned to try out my "wings" and legs and mostly to get away from Dodge and check on my self confidence as far as flying, traveling, getting through security, yada, yada, yada!
I knew I would have to take it easy because of the low blood counts so I wore a mask to fly and got to Austin Wednesday afternoon. The rest of that day I did well, Thursday I did well, but Friday blood counts crashed and burned with a killer headache and vomiting to equal the chick on the Exorcist!. My daughter and Loren took me to Scott White ER where I was pumped full of fluids and meds to stabilize dehydration and everything else. Scary, but I made it through went back to their house and the next three days were fine. Tiffany and Loren pampered me and made me feel special and soaking in their garden tub does wonders for my soul.
I flew back on Tuesday the 26th and landed in Little Rock at 11:00 AM. (Now this is where the adventures of walking with Neuropathy come in), I have very little feeling in my feet so I can't judge the thickness of the floor or my steps very well until this stuff wears off. While walking into the airport off of the plane several ladies stopped in front of me where the carpet met the marble floor. I tried to stop and go around them but my heel got caught in my roller bag and I went flying, (probably looked like a Daddy Long Legs doing a dying act!) It took three gentlemen to pick me up off the marble floor, none of us could get any traction! One man asked me if I had ever thought of trying this stunt sober? I replied, "does it work?", and he said "Oh Yeah!" A very nice witty gentleman! Needless to say I have some beautiful, large purple grape colored spots on my body now.
I had bloodwork done Wednesday morning and ended up in the hospital Wednesday afternoon to get 3 units of blood. Yep I was a few quarts low, no wonder I felt like I'd been rolled a few times by a steam-roller! I came home yesterday afternoon, slept the rest of the day and night and feel great today. Kind of fitting that I did the vampire blood thing right before Halloween, don't you think? I can still see my reflection in the mirror so I'm safe! Glad to get this out of the way now and build my strength up. I go back to LIttle Rock for my follow up with Dr. Stone on Monday along with a CT scan that morning. and then I am scheduled to fly up to Baltimore on the 6th of November with my first trip on line on the 8th. I have an easy three day trip and then home on the 10th with 6 days at home. I promise all of you lovely concerned folks that I'm not jumping the gun, that I am fine and will pace myself, of course my stubborness is a big part of my strength, go figure. So don't grab for that phone or keyboard to chastise me, I'm OK! Honest! I think getting back to my life and routine will make a world of difference. Also the doctor finally prescribed something (Lyrica) for the Neuropathy, WooHoo! Helloooo feet, where have you been?!
I'll do better on touching base with all of you, there was just so much going on, I wasn't sure where to start, besides, I still owe you a video of a happy jig. God Bless you.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
THE FOG IS LIFTING!
Still a little fuzzy-tongued, muscles are sore, Neuropathy still an issue, taste not back yet but my tongue is telling me that some of the taste buds are clawing their way to the surface of my tongue, they are craving that all you can eat buffet! (It's coming, guys, it's coming!)
It was a tough weekend but my mind and my body are ready to get on with life, and I'm feeling a little better today. On Monday I had a eye doctor appointment because something was irritating my left eye and was worse when the eye was closed. Come to find out I had two tiny eyelashes that wanted to grow but they were growing in towards the eye and causing an abrasion. So, the doctor pulled the two little guys and I felt instant relief, but now I'm down two more eyelashes, geez! Oh well, at some point I will have eyebrows and eyelashes again. Yesterday I was laying down reading when the front doorbell rang. As I approached the door I good see a gentleman in a shirt and tie through my screen door and knew immediately he was a politician (they have a certain look and air about them). As I walked up he said, "Good afternoon sir, I'm so & so and I'm running for mayor and I'd like to visit with you." I replied," I'm not a sir." He said, "Oh well, can I leave this brochure with you?" I nodded with a wry smile took the brochure and closed my door. Poor guy, he won't even get a second thought because he failed the apology test! So, I apparently on my worst day look like a hairless bald man! GREAT!!!
On to lighter notes, the Texarkana Race for the Cure is this Saturday and I will be there (Not running or even walking yet) but I will be there. Anyone in Texarkana who is out there and sees me, give me a hug, or a high five or even a whopping big smile, I'll take them all!
The weather has been a blessing the last two weeks with a soft continuous rain on Monday that perked up all my plants. I love the fall and am so thankful to have finished my chemotherapy in time to enjoy it. Thank you, God!
Still a little fuzzy-tongued, muscles are sore, Neuropathy still an issue, taste not back yet but my tongue is telling me that some of the taste buds are clawing their way to the surface of my tongue, they are craving that all you can eat buffet! (It's coming, guys, it's coming!)
It was a tough weekend but my mind and my body are ready to get on with life, and I'm feeling a little better today. On Monday I had a eye doctor appointment because something was irritating my left eye and was worse when the eye was closed. Come to find out I had two tiny eyelashes that wanted to grow but they were growing in towards the eye and causing an abrasion. So, the doctor pulled the two little guys and I felt instant relief, but now I'm down two more eyelashes, geez! Oh well, at some point I will have eyebrows and eyelashes again. Yesterday I was laying down reading when the front doorbell rang. As I approached the door I good see a gentleman in a shirt and tie through my screen door and knew immediately he was a politician (they have a certain look and air about them). As I walked up he said, "Good afternoon sir, I'm so & so and I'm running for mayor and I'd like to visit with you." I replied," I'm not a sir." He said, "Oh well, can I leave this brochure with you?" I nodded with a wry smile took the brochure and closed my door. Poor guy, he won't even get a second thought because he failed the apology test! So, I apparently on my worst day look like a hairless bald man! GREAT!!!
On to lighter notes, the Texarkana Race for the Cure is this Saturday and I will be there (Not running or even walking yet) but I will be there. Anyone in Texarkana who is out there and sees me, give me a hug, or a high five or even a whopping big smile, I'll take them all!
The weather has been a blessing the last two weeks with a soft continuous rain on Monday that perked up all my plants. I love the fall and am so thankful to have finished my chemotherapy in time to enjoy it. Thank you, God!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
I'M DONE!!
No more chemo! Now I REcoup, REhab and REcover!! I should have a couple of good days despite incontinence, headaches and tingly hands and feet. The funky, icky pooby stuff will set in sometime this weekend. But, for now I had six tacos for dinner and life is looking down a short tunnel with a bright light! I am released back to work for the 8th of November. I will be able to get my trips lined out in a couple of weeks, so those of you with SWA that have been watching my board, look for me in November, I'm coming back! A BIG WHOPPING WOOHOO and a BIGGER GOD BLESS!
No more chemo! Now I REcoup, REhab and REcover!! I should have a couple of good days despite incontinence, headaches and tingly hands and feet. The funky, icky pooby stuff will set in sometime this weekend. But, for now I had six tacos for dinner and life is looking down a short tunnel with a bright light! I am released back to work for the 8th of November. I will be able to get my trips lined out in a couple of weeks, so those of you with SWA that have been watching my board, look for me in November, I'm coming back! A BIG WHOPPING WOOHOO and a BIGGER GOD BLESS!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Almost There!
It is the 3rd day of October and absolutely beautiful outside. It has been this way for a week now, which is a good thing considering our A/C went out week before last. Fortunately we made it to the cooler weather and can get the A/C fixed when I start working again (when we're back to two paychecks). I went for blood work on Friday and everything looks great so it is a "good for go" for chemo (THE LAST ONE) on Tuesday. Then a couple of good days, a week and a half of funky, fuzzy tongue, muscle ache, neuropathy, headaches, constipation, flatulence etc. etc. etc. to quote the King of Siam! but THEN I will be done, the light at the end of my tunnel will start to shine brighter urging me on and I will be flying in November. WOOHOO!! After that the reappearance of hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, hair on the other parts of my body, (you get the picture) my insides will get back to some semblance of order, I can work on these tired muscles AND I will find an all you can eat buffet with my name on it!
This weather has helped rejuvenate me and I feel pretty good going into my last battle with chemo. I thank all of you for hanging in there with me and pray you'll stay close until I cross that finish line with my arms held high and fist pumps going and I do a silly ridiculous jig in triumphant glee! I'll be back on Tuesday after chemo. I love all of you.
It is the 3rd day of October and absolutely beautiful outside. It has been this way for a week now, which is a good thing considering our A/C went out week before last. Fortunately we made it to the cooler weather and can get the A/C fixed when I start working again (when we're back to two paychecks). I went for blood work on Friday and everything looks great so it is a "good for go" for chemo (THE LAST ONE) on Tuesday. Then a couple of good days, a week and a half of funky, fuzzy tongue, muscle ache, neuropathy, headaches, constipation, flatulence etc. etc. etc. to quote the King of Siam! but THEN I will be done, the light at the end of my tunnel will start to shine brighter urging me on and I will be flying in November. WOOHOO!! After that the reappearance of hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, hair on the other parts of my body, (you get the picture) my insides will get back to some semblance of order, I can work on these tired muscles AND I will find an all you can eat buffet with my name on it!
This weather has helped rejuvenate me and I feel pretty good going into my last battle with chemo. I thank all of you for hanging in there with me and pray you'll stay close until I cross that finish line with my arms held high and fist pumps going and I do a silly ridiculous jig in triumphant glee! I'll be back on Tuesday after chemo. I love all of you.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
40-14 and counting!
This last week has been eventful, full and exhausting. A friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 a year after my first cancer, died on Monday after her cancer came back with a vengence. Her name was Holly Johnson, she was 46 years young, absolutely vivacious and beautiful. She fought all the way to end.On Wednesday I was on a local TV show with another cancer survivor telling our stories. I did it completely bald, only because I was hot flashing so badly, I thought I would spontaneously combust if I wore my new wig.
Last Tuesday was chemo and I had a milder version of Niagara Falls for a couple of days following the chemo.
Holly's visitation was Thursday night and the funeral was Friday morning. While I was sitting in the chapel at visitation several other survivors and myself were reflecting on numerous thoughts and pieces parts that swam through our minds. One thought that I had voiced was being sad that I hadn't been able to bring all three of my children together in quite a while. When I got home from visitation that night I was sitting on the couch and my husband, Tim was acting a little unusual. Everytime a slow moving car would go by, he'd jump up and look out the window. He was starting to drive my nuts! It happened once more and he hurried to the back door and was calling the cat in, I thought he had surely lost it! I looked up and my daughter and my oldest son were standing in my living room with the biggest, most beautiful smiles on their faces, along with my husband who had undoubtedly the best looking Cheshire Cat grin. Tiffany and Sean flew in to Little Rock that afternnon, rented a car and drove down to surprise me for my 54th (40-14th) birthday which was Sunday! How cool is that! On Friday night we met up with Grant, my youngest son for dinner, check out the pictures! Fortunately I could taste food and was feeling pretty good (at the time).
Tiffany, Grant and Sean, my kiddos!
Sunday night good friends of ours fixed a birthday dinner for me and we celebrated another year of my life. Needless to say, I overdid it this weekend and am now paying for it, but it was a very special weekend. I now have NO taste buds, fuzzy tongue and nausea, terrible muscle and joint aches and booger Neuropathy in my feet and hands, which according to UAMS is normal for this point in the new chemo regimen! Boogers!!! AT least it waited till after my birthday weekend! I have communed with my pillow the last couple of days and will for a little longer, it is a very nice and soft pillow!
As you can see, it was a long, sometimes tough, but also a good week for me. I have one more chemo treatment on the 5th of October, and I WILL be done with this major bump in my road.I can do this, I can do this! One more time I can do this!
If everyone would, pleas offer up a prayer for Holly Johnson and her family, she truly was and will remain an inspiration to me. Rest in Peace, Holly.
This last week has been eventful, full and exhausting. A friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 a year after my first cancer, died on Monday after her cancer came back with a vengence. Her name was Holly Johnson, she was 46 years young, absolutely vivacious and beautiful. She fought all the way to end.On Wednesday I was on a local TV show with another cancer survivor telling our stories. I did it completely bald, only because I was hot flashing so badly, I thought I would spontaneously combust if I wore my new wig.
Last Tuesday was chemo and I had a milder version of Niagara Falls for a couple of days following the chemo.
Holly's visitation was Thursday night and the funeral was Friday morning. While I was sitting in the chapel at visitation several other survivors and myself were reflecting on numerous thoughts and pieces parts that swam through our minds. One thought that I had voiced was being sad that I hadn't been able to bring all three of my children together in quite a while. When I got home from visitation that night I was sitting on the couch and my husband, Tim was acting a little unusual. Everytime a slow moving car would go by, he'd jump up and look out the window. He was starting to drive my nuts! It happened once more and he hurried to the back door and was calling the cat in, I thought he had surely lost it! I looked up and my daughter and my oldest son were standing in my living room with the biggest, most beautiful smiles on their faces, along with my husband who had undoubtedly the best looking Cheshire Cat grin. Tiffany and Sean flew in to Little Rock that afternnon, rented a car and drove down to surprise me for my 54th (40-14th) birthday which was Sunday! How cool is that! On Friday night we met up with Grant, my youngest son for dinner, check out the pictures! Fortunately I could taste food and was feeling pretty good (at the time).
Tiffany, Grant and Sean, my kiddos!
Tim and I, what do you think of the cool wig? This is my back to flying hair!
Saturday night was Tim's 40th class reunion. We went but I tired easily so we didn/t get to stay long. Tiff and Sean left early Sunday morning. My parents came over for lunch on Sunday and brought me a gorgeous Victorian birdfeeder. If you've followed my blog you know how special the birds and waterfowl are to me outside my window, so this was a wonderful gift.
Sunday night good friends of ours fixed a birthday dinner for me and we celebrated another year of my life. Needless to say, I overdid it this weekend and am now paying for it, but it was a very special weekend. I now have NO taste buds, fuzzy tongue and nausea, terrible muscle and joint aches and booger Neuropathy in my feet and hands, which according to UAMS is normal for this point in the new chemo regimen! Boogers!!! AT least it waited till after my birthday weekend! I have communed with my pillow the last couple of days and will for a little longer, it is a very nice and soft pillow!
As you can see, it was a long, sometimes tough, but also a good week for me. I have one more chemo treatment on the 5th of October, and I WILL be done with this major bump in my road.I can do this, I can do this! One more time I can do this!
If everyone would, pleas offer up a prayer for Holly Johnson and her family, she truly was and will remain an inspiration to me. Rest in Peace, Holly.
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