The ice has thawed

On Friday, April 9th, I had an appointment with my Cardiologist, Dr. Ewer. After reviewing my file, checking my heart and my jugular veins, I got the "ok" to stop taking the heart medicine! I was very excited since it is possible my chronic cough I have had since November could be a side effect of this med. (Actually, Dr. Z, my primary doctor told me that just a few weeks ago. And two weeks later after stopping the med, I'm still coughing). Anyway, Dr. Ewer ordered one final echocardiogram to make sure there wasn't any additional damage done to my heart during the last year of chemo when I had the adjunct therapy.

Today, Friday the 23rd, I had my very last echocardiogram. Yeah me! Dr. Ewer, hasn't called me yet with the results, but I am sure I have passed the test. In the beginning of this cancer adventure, when I failed my MUGA heart tests in Nuclear Medicine (remember I called it "The Glow Farm"?) and Dr W., my oncologist, sent me off to Heart and Vascular, Scott made the smart comment that it was to "Make sure I actually had a heart and that it wasn't all made of ice" (Yes, we are still happily married!) To prove to him that I do in fact have a heart and the ice in my heart has thawed, I have another fine picture of this 'warm' heart hanging on the refrigerator. I really love it when you get a tech that will break the rules for you and give you pictures of your insides! Too bad I couldn't get one of my brain when I had that MRI. That picture would have been very cool.

Tuesday, April 20th, I had my first appointment with my new OBGYN Dr. Lick. (Yep - that's his name!) Dr. Jay is really kind of a hottie. Nice eyes. I am grateful Dr. Z. referred me over to him. Dr. Jay didn't really have a clue either on how to solve my problems so we are taking it one remedy at a time. If the first medicine doesn't work, we'll try something else until we find a solution. The somewhat unsettling part of the appointment was when he said he was going to consult with his specialist doctor friend in Saint Louis and consult with GYN Oncology. Unexpectedly, he took a pap smear. So everybody needs to have positive thoughts! I am hoping that no news is good news. I have a follow up appointment with Dr. Jay in three weeks. I am hoping the medicine he gave me will work.

While at the hospital today for my heart test, I had to stop by the Oncology Lab and get what I affectionately call a "Flush and Fill". My IV port has to be flushed out every three weeks to prevent any blockage/blood clots from formng. It takes less than 5 minutes to access the port, make sure you get a good blood draw, then flush it. No big deal. It takes longer to disinfect the port area than the actual procedure.

I have had three hair cuts now and I am saddened to report that my beautiful head of cancer curls is gone. I really liked my curly hair. I still have a little wave but that's it. However, my hair has been lightening up and has changed into a much nicer color than when it first started to grow! I'm sure the Summer sun will almost make me a blonde again though those days are gone too. I am still in the process of growing my hair out long and that can be challenging. I was use to wearing my hair very short and spiky. It's a new look for me and none of us know if we like it yet. The whole house is contemplating my looks.
Who knows, I might shave it all off if I get too hot this summer!

It's a Good Friday

Today, Good Friday, I had my very last chemo treatment. I added them up, and I had somewhere around 72 or so dosages - 52 of them being adjunctive therapy, not to mention the 33 treatments of radiation, 3 MUGA Scans and 3 echo grams for my heart (I'm still on heart meds since the chemo can damage the heart and I did flunk earlier heart tests, numerous CT scans for bones, lungs, pelvis, abdomen and chest, MRI's for the brain and chest, countless blood tests, physical therapy sessions, even one trip to the psych ward (which I felt was a total waste of time and money), 3 acupuncture treatments and two surgeries with one more to go.

WOW! What an adventure it has been. We're still not done, though. I have an appointment with my Cardiologist on Friday April 9th. I am hoping my last echocardiogram showed enough improvement in my heart function where I can get off the meds. I have found out that the cough I have had since forever, is a side effect of the medicine I'm taking. In June, I have another follow-up mammogram to check up on the two spots they found in December. Once I get the news that they are no big deal, I'll have surgery #3 and get my IV port taken out. My guess this will be somewhere around Independence Day!! In August I have another follow-up CT scan for the spot they found on my lung. After that, I'm done. I'll still see the various doctors for the next five years and I'll still have to take meds for the next five years. A small price to pay to keep the cancer away!

I saw my primary physician last week and found out I fractured three ribs while in North Carolina for Susan's service (Cancer Fight). I fell 8-10 feet off a zip line and landed flat on my back. I did shake it off and successfully zipped on the zip line! It was really fun and I'd do it again. Scott and I are thinking about putting one up at our lake home! Dr. Z also referred me to gynecology to deal with other problems that the cancer treatment caused and she doesn't know what to do about them.

I found out that my friend Joan died in January. She had been battling pancreatic cancer for a year. Cancer really does suck.

So...though it still sounds like they is still alot for me to go through, the worst part is over. It's a Good Friday.

Sunday is Easter. We're headed to the lake house to sit and relax and enjoy each other.

Susan's Celebration of Life

Scott and I boarded a plane and flew to North Carolina for 3 days for Susan's Celebration of Life Services on Monday 3/22. It was the first time to North Carolina for me. It's a pretty state and Spring was blooming. It is unfortunate that we visited under such sad circumstances.

The Memorial Service was really nice. Susan's husband, Karl, spoke about Susan. Sometimes we laughed and sometimes we cried. Old friends and colleagues also took the podium and gave us more insight into the Susan not all of us knew. Even Jordan, Susan's and Karl's 12 year old daughter spoke. It was a beautiful service. Afterwards, we all dried our eyes, gained our composures and mingled among friends and then had dinner.

Except for driving around the UNC-Chapel Hill campus (which I must say is beautiful!) Scott and I spent all of our time with Karl, his and Susan's family and friends. The house always had people! Though we didn't want to be in the way, Karl insisted we be there. Susan's mom from the USVI and Karl's mom were there and made sure everyone was well feed. I gained two pounds! Thank you Midori and Mary :-)

We arrived home on Tuesday night just in time to put the kids into bed - somewhat late - but they wanted to stay up. No big deal. We just slept in this morning and I drove them to school.

Next week is Spring Break for the kids. Andrei has track practice every day and I have my last chemo scheduled on Good Friday, April 2. Glory! Glory!

Tears of Sadness

Last night at 8:10 pm, my dear friend Susan (Cancer Fight) died. She was an incredible woman who fought till the end. I learned much from this woman - most importantly, never to give up. She touched many lives and will continue to do so. It was a honor to be her friend.

Aruna and I were at church last night and both of us were saying our own private prayer for her. At the time, we had no idea she had just passed. We were helping her go home. As we drove home from church, we both commented on how bright and beautiful the night sky looked. Now we know why. We know God has welcomed her home and she is at peace. We find great joy in knowing this.

Please keep her husband Karl and their two children, Jordan and Marcus in your prayers.

Until we meet again.......

Daylight Savings Time - A new Season

We lost an hour last night and the kids are loving the longer evenings. It's 7pm and they are outside playing basketball together. Spring has come to Wisconsin. The temperatures are around 50 and will warm up to close to 60 by weeks end. The winds are really blowing and Aruna took advantage of it by flying a kite today. And for the first time in what seems like forever, she and I walked the dogs.

This past Friday I had another treatment. Same-O Same-O expect this time a had a kick-butt room with two windows!!! Nothing like saving the best for last. I also had an appointment with Dr. W. I was right, she was wrong. My LAST chemo treatment is April 2nd, Good Friday. This whole adventure started on December 18, 2008. A long time. Even though the treatment will be over, the tests are not. On June 21st, I have a 6-month mammogram to follow-up on the two spots they found 6 months ago. I also have an appointment the same day with my Radiation Oncologist. On August 16th, I have a one year follow-up CT Scan of my lung to check up on the nodule they found. The decision has been made to keep my IV port in until the results of the tests are in and I am truly declared cancer free. I know this isn't the most positive thinking, but, for me, the safest.

I still am tender under my left arm. Dr. W thought maybe this could be from the radiation. I'll have to research this and see what I find out. The acupuncture I had was a complete success. My hot flashes and headaches are much more manageable now and on some days, they hardly exist! It is good to not have to take narcotics to control your pain.

My friend Susan (Cancer Fight Blog) is rapidly declining. Today she left her in-home hospice for full Hospice care and monitoring. She is in much pain and continues to be brave. Please keep her, Karl, their children and family in your thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult transition.

Scott is in Nevada for a few days so I'll be sleeping single in a double bed - unless of course Aruna decides to sleep with me. Tuesday I am working at the kids elementary school. I love being paid for being on the playground! I have landed a 3 week job at the end of April into May to proctor student testing. I'll be working with 2nd through 5th graders.

Spring Break for the kids is the week of March 29th to April 2. We're not going anywhere again this year. Andrei has track practice everyday and I have my LAST chemo treatment on the 2nd. I don't know what we are doing for Easter yet, but I'm sure the Easter Bunny will come.

Sexy Bald Chick

That's what I became a year ago on February 28th - Bald . Today, I have a head full of curls. Though I am no longer blonde, my hair is a light brown with lighter highlights. It actually is quite nice looking - and I didn't have to go to the salon! I have decided to grow my hair long and see how it looks. I have been lucky as to not have the 'growing out pains'. The curls really do make a difference. I hope they last.

I have had two acupuncture treatments so far and they seem to be working. My headaches have diminished tremendously and my brutal hot flashes have also lesson - both in quantity and intensity. My back still hurts and I will have that issue addressed when I go for my third visit. The Susan B. Komen Foundation gave the cancer clinic a grant so that patients can have up to 3 free visits to Integrative Medicine. At this point, I feel this has benefited me greatly and it is something I will want to continue.

I am starting to wonder if my treatments will ever end. It has been 14 months. I thought I was done in April, but both Dr. Mark and Dr. Kari have said June. In the meantime, I go every three weeks. It is just a part of life. I know I blogged that I was getting excited about it, but I would be more excited if I knew a date of my last treatment.

In June I have my 6-month follow up on my mammogram. When I had one in December (exactly one year from when we discovered the cancer) they found two spots they want to re-examine. In one respect, I am not all that worried. On the other hand, I am not sure I want to get my IV Port taken out after treatment is done should we get more bad news and round #2 starts. Even though Dr. Kari said I could get my port out right away, I'm not so sure.

It has been nice to not have to go to the hospital as often. Though I do miss my friends there. I never see them anymore and I wonder how they are doing and if they are still with us.

My friend lost her Dad to pancreatic cancer and I attended the funeral. It is always so sad to lose someone.

My friend Susan (Cancer Fight) is now in home hospice care. Please remember Susan and her family in your prayers as they prepare themselves. This is extraordinarily difficult for me. Right after my diagnosis, Susan sent me a card and she and I have stayed connected throughout our journeys. I spoke with Susan today. She's tired and worried about her children. She is fighting a valiant fight that we can all learn from. It is very sad for me to know I will have to say good-bye to a woman who has enriched my life. I wish I could give her one last hug. Perhaps Karl could do this for me? I do know she will live in my heart forever.

Andrei now has his Driver's Probationary license. Scott and I have been shopping for a car for him. Andrei has decided he likes the little Audi. It is small, four doors, lots of air bags, anti-lock brakes, and it will be stick shift. It is next to impossible to drive, shift and text all at the same time. Plus, none of his friends will be able to drive the car. Scott is always thinking.

Life is starting to be post-cancer. I have been working again and enjoying it. I try hard not to touch my face when at school so so I don't get sick again. It took over 12 weeks for me to get rid of the cough I caught right before the holidays.

I am still slightly swollen underneath my arm from lymphedema. I've had that since the beginning of January - I think. it's been a really long time. I don't hurt any more, I am just tender. I am hoping that this isn't something that will happen frequently.

Please remember to say a prayer for Susan and her family.

Two more treatments done

Two more treatments are done. I had one on January 8 and January 29 (Scott's Birthday). I finally got to see Dr. Kari. I am very excited that I do not have to see Dr. Mark again. The exam with Dr. Kari was quite thorough. For 4 weeks I have been very tender and swollen under my left arm and breast. It didn't help that I had been fighting a chronic cough since before Thanksgiving! I wasn't sure what the issue was since I knew lymphedema most commonly will affect the arm. Lymphedema is the result of disruption in the lymphatic system, resulting in obstructed lymphatic flow, swelling, pain, and susceptibility to infection. (www.lymphedema.com). Once again, I am not the norm. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot you can do to help the situation. But half the battle is just knowing what you are battling.

My hot flashes are ----- let's just say I am loving Winter and the cold weather! I am not quite on board to increase the dosage of my meds I take to help minimize them just yet. Instead, I have decided to try accupuncture. The Susan B. Komen Foundation has given the UW Cancer Center a generous donation for 3 free appointments for Integrative Medicine for patients. I am very excited. I am hoping that all those little needles will not only help with the hot flashes, but also my headaches and back pain. Dr. Kari suggested I go to the Headache Clinic - which I am not opposed to - I just want to try the little needles first.

I am beginning to see the end of this cancer journey, though, there is a difference in opinion as to when it will end. Dr. Kari thought June, I thought April 2nd!!! I hope I am correct and she isn't. Two more months would be a drag. Good news, though, she said there was nothing to worry about with my recent mammogram and that if I wanted, I could get my last treatment and go straight to surgery from there to get my port out. Maybe there is a new batch of Hotties to look at in the surgical ward!! Something more to look forward to.