Saturday, Sept, 29, 2012

New Day - Made it through the night. I did have one bout of sleeplessness at 12:30. Tried reading - I feel asleep but Randy got up to check on me and work me up. So, back to reading. Decided to take half of a pain pill to sleep. Success! able to sleep until 7:00 am. Had pills to take this morning with food. Hope fully they work. I choose to think they will be good to me today. I am trying to go watch Isaiah play football. Not allowed out in the sun without full coverage and plenty of cool water. I promise I will take care. Love to you all out there - I feel you love. Marsha and Randy

Friday, continued

Oh did not want to forget the Cookie Lady came by for Randy. Warm Choc Chip and White Choc Macadamia Nut. And Star Bucks Coffee. He was good to go. I think it was a little past 11:00 when we started all the meds. One was the color red-orange. Not to big of a bag but kinda creepy color. Just right for Halloween. Then the major player was introduced. We came home and had a bowl of home-made chicken noodle soup and we both crashed on the sofas. I just had a hot shower (cause I could not shower last night)and I feel tired as I knew I would so I will sign off and curl back up with Ozzie, Soft-Kitty and Fred for a nap before Randy comes back home. This truly will be a long journey for me. As the last phase will take one full year. I know you guys won't stop praying for us no matter how long this takes. Love to you all Marsha and Randy

FINALLY CHEMO , Friday, Sept. 28, 2012

My day started at 1:30 AM!! Could not sleep at all. Not because of worry or fear I just could not get comfortable to sleep. I am a tummy or side sleeper. I was getting close to sleeping on an angle on my left side, BUT then came the surgery last Friday for my port. Back to just sleeping on my back. UGH :( Well with all the changes to my chemo schedule yesterday we decided to leave the port accessed and just pad me up for the rest of the day and night. It never occurred to me how uncomfortable that was going to be. Needles to say, I could not sleep. Poor Randy, he tried to comfort me and I was trying not to keep him awake. I wound up in the living room on the chaise. Here came Ozzie (my little protector). After lying there just looking out the window for about 1 1/2 hours I tried to get back to the bed. After 15 minutes I went back to the chaise. Here came Ozzie and Randy this time. We decided to watch TV. Rolled back the selection thingy and watched that new show with Lucy Loo about Sherlock Holmes. It was good. When that was over my guys went back to the bedroom and went back to sleep. I continued to channel surf. Waited for the alarms to go off at 5:30. Went to RIS, in Lakeland to have my MUGA (picture) taken of my heart beats. The tech was very nice, he explained everything to us. I was Glad Randy was there cause by that time I was not very coherent. Long story short we were at the top of the list, main priority treatment. Still took 2 hours for the whole thing. 9:00 AM we arrive back at LRCC for treatment. Get signed in and get my heated chair and 2 warmed blankets. One cup of coffee and one blueberry muffin. Not sure of the points plus values for WW but I wanted it BAD. They test results were sent over for Dr Nakka to read and see how my heart baseline was beating. I had the green light to take the first of the $$$$ nausea pills. Had to wait an hour.

Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012 Chemo Day

Finally here - Chemo begins this morning.The Light of God surrounds me.The Love of God enfolds me.The Power of God protects me.The Presence of God watchers over me. Wherever I am God IS.on the Journey together.


Update we had to postpone chemo for one day. We need to get a baseline echocardiogram. One of my meds can be very hard on your heart so I will have an EKG/MUGA at 7:00 am in the morning. Then go straight to LRCC to begin my chemo.
Made it through the first injection at port site. This was a little freaky cause the area is still healing and bruised. Some swelling too. Pressure was a little intense bur it worked just like it needed to. The nurse left it set for use in the morning so I don't have to be stuck again.
I did go pick out and order my first wig. It's one of the hot colors for fall. Golden brown with highlights. Short and kinda full. Hope Randy likes it.if not guess I will wear hats and scarfs the whole time.
And so we are in a holding point today. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers we CAN FEEL each one. Love to each of you.

Wednesday Sept 26,2012

Keeping quiet these past few days. Guess I am trying to hide from the dreaded chemo monster. I know it is a necessary evil but doesn't make it any easier to do it.
One of our customers at the glass shop let a card stuck to the front door yesterday which said "I bet you're sick and tired of being sick and tired" it was a picture of a little puppy dog asleep with his pillow and blanket. Inside of card basically said to stay strong and hold on - this will get better.
Thanks for sending cards to us cause they Really HELP!
Much love to everyone.

Sunday, Sept 23, 2012

Ports are not that bad but not that great either. Can't wear just anything with stitches (2 sites). But this will protect my veins from the chemo and won't hurt as bad as starting an iv each time. Enjoyed the football game yesterday. Isaiah was QB for the entire game. We went into overtime and unfortunately we lost. Still an awesome game. Can't believe only three more days till my first session of chemo. Hard to believe this is really happening.

Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012

I am tired of pain...I am tired of not sleeping in a comfortable position (tummy). Okay, I am over it. A new day to live and enjoy how blessed I truly am. I have such a wonderful husband who is helping me get through this. I have a wonderful son who calls and comes as often as he can. I have wonderful friends who encourage me each day. I am not alone is this journey. I LOVE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!:) PS - to CLG "Softkitty" is right with me each night to help me smile and sleep. :) Going to "try" to see Isaiah play football today. Don't want to miss this week cause next week will be very iffy for me to make it after my first chemo treatment. Go Cowboys!! Journey time..

Port is in

Here I am back at home resting for the remainder of the day. Went very well. Dr Howard was all done before I knew anything. HE did come and talk with us before hand but then the next time I saw his smiling face was when he was actually helping get me cleaned up at the incision sites. All good - I can even shower tomorrow. YEAH!!! Well time for a nap - promised Randy I would just get back to bed and rest. The Light of God surrounds me The Love of God enfolds me The Power of God protects me and The Presence of God watches over me and where ever I am GOD IS.

Friday, Sept 21, 2012

Up early headed to see Dr Howard again. Getting my port put in this morning at 7:00 am. at the Day Surgery Center on Dundee Road. Not looking forward to another surgery but this will be of great benefit for my chemo. I need to protect my veins. Wow this is early, Been a LONG time since I had to wake up this early for an appointment. I haven't had anymore trouble with leg cramps. Making sure to eat and drink plenty through the day. Times up gatta go...on my next road trip along the journey.

Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012

Just getting up from a bad night. Not sure what was going on but for most of the night (10:20 pm) I had terrible leg cramps and in my feet too. Walked the floor for about an hour. This usually helps me "walk" them out. I had to take a mild pain pill before I could relax enough to sleep. After thinking through my day yesterday I did not eat or drink much of anything all day. Maybe that was what caused this. Not sure but today I will be sure to drink plenty of water and eat. I did make myself go over to LRCC and talk to Kim about new bras and prosthesis. She said I still have a little swelling. She also said I needed to wait until after getting my port and let it heal over before wearing a bra. We decided together to wait a full two weeks before official bra time. We talked about wigs and hats etc. I did get a few things to be ready. I was also able to me some of the staff in the chemo suite. And I met the cookie lady again...yummy chocolate with white chocolate chips. Well I need to start eating and drinking and getting ready for work....journey time.

Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012

We had such a wonderful time at the Island. My wonderful husband took such great care of me. He packed for us, unpacked for us, did the shopping, cooking, house hold chores such as making the bed, laundry, dishes. All I had to do was rest and de-stress. I was back at work yesterday and made the whole day without much pain. Can't wait to be PAIN FREE one day. Today I am planning on getting fitted for the correct size bra. The sports bra has been good but I want a softer one. One that makes me feel more like a lady. I must admit I am wondering what a bra will feel like over the port site. I get my port this Friday morning. I know this will get better once the stitches heal. I know worry before needed. Well need to get Randy out the door for work.

Sunday, Sept 16, 20012

Resting so great at the island house. This is Paradise. Getting back in worry mode I guess. Time to write down my next set of questions. 1. Do I take first nausea pill before we leave for treatments? 2. Do I eat or drink breakfast before I leave home? 3. How long will my treatment actually take when administered. I have heard from others that it could take 1 hour or one lady said her treatment was 6 hours. I vote one hour. 4. Will I be sleepy during this or can I read? 5. What kind of top should I wear? Okay, I know these are not "biggy" questions but they are in my brain and won't go away. I will be making a phone call Monday morning. Back to resting and de-stressing.

Island-time Sept 14,2012

Resting comfortably at our favorite island retreat. Watched the sunrise and the pelicans start their morning flight. My captain enjoyed sunrise at his favorite fishing spot. We have enjoyed just being together walking and talking. Ran has been my cook and housemaid. He is making homemade cookies for us now. Not sure how they will taste but I will love them I know. More to follow.

Thursday, Aug. 13,2012

Worked three days this week. Yeah Me!! I confess the second day I was wiped out. Yesterday was much better. We did crash and burn at 9:15 last night. Slept good. Randy and I going to the island for a few days to hopefully rest, and DE-STRESS before our world starts to change again. I can't wait to get to my favorite spot on the porch looking out over the water. AS I was packing last night it was strange cause I don't have a swimsuit I can wear now. I did not know what to do - I kinda just kept pulling them all out of my drawer and saying no that won't fit, no can't wear that...will have to check out the new styles at the boutique (LRCC). Time to get busy - breakfast, dressing and hitting the road takes me longer to do everything. Can't keep "my Captain" waiting too long. I know he is READY for a break from all of this. the journey is continuing.

Tuesday, Sept 11, 2011

I worked yesterday for the first time. I made it!!! I was tired by the end of the day - cause I missed my nap time. :) The evening was WONDERFUL FUN - Very DEAR friends and I went to dinner. They gave me wonderful support and encouragement. Precious gifts and the precious LOVE AND SUPPORT. I love each of them (you) I know you are following my blog each day. I am going to work in our Lakeland store today. Going to take a pillow with me to put in my seatbelt for a little extra padding in the car. My Journey continues.

Sunday, Sept 9,2012

Sunday - Day of Rest. I love this! Went to Isaiah's game yesterday - HOT!!! even under a shade tent. Really took it's toll on me. But I do hate to miss watching Isaiah play. I am so humbled by dear friends watching the Stand Up 2 Cancer on Friday night launched a star for me. This is so awesome. I am doing really great. My arms are getting better and stronger. My task master hubby stays on me to exercise. Even when we walk Ozzie before bedtime he makes me walk and do arm circles. He is so wonderful. He does have a cold and you know how a cold can make you feel. HE ALWAYS HAS A SMILE FOR ME and A GENTLE BEAR HUG!! I AM going back to work this week. Monday morning here I come. Have to remember not to lift anything heavy. Thank You to all who have sent cards of encouragement. They always come just at the right time. They lift my spirits with every card I open. LUV YOU ALL and my journey continues.

Peaceful sleep, August 8,2012

WOW - Without all that padding I was able to sleep so much better. Still can't sleep on my side or tummy but oh so much better than before. My right arm does not seem as stiff and painful this morning. Trying to keep exercise going so I won't have lemphedema set in. I am so excited today I am going to try and go see Isaiah play football in Seffner. Hopefully no rain during our game time. Game is at noon. Need to rest up.

Good check-up today, Sept 7

Just home from seeing Dr Howard, my surgeon. Gave me a good check-up. As of now all incisions are looking good. The small area I was concerned with is just the very edge of the incision line and the muscle. The little bit of swelling should be gone very soon. Keep up with my arm exercise to help with this. I will see him on the 20th to get my port put in for chemo injections. This will help protect my veins. Best of all I was able to leave out the sterile padding and towels from my sports bra. Down to wearing just the sports bra home. YEAH!!! Have to be careful though since there is no protection to the site but YEAH!!! This feels so much better. So here we go down the road a little further. The Journey continues.

2nd Post-Op Visit today

hat Seeing Dr Howard today at 2:00. My left side is doing real good. My right breast incision is healing but I do have swelling still. All of the tape is now off - thank goodness!! Now I can wash really good. Not hard but good. lol.

Yesterday I had no energy. I had a bad headache in the night. Felt like somebody was bouncing a basketball in my ears.

Randy has a cold - trying so hard to not share it with me.

Well - guess I better get something done today. Need to plan clothes for doctor visit.

Chat later

Uneventful Day was nice

Wednesday was uneventful Day and I loved it. I did lots of reading on the American Cancers Society pages looking at hats, scarves, wigs, make-up and other things. Took a great nap with Ozzie (our real doggie), Fred (a gift from a good friend - my stuffed doggie) I named him after my surgeon and "Soft Kitty" a gift from another good friend. We all enjoyed the quiet time together.

Haven't needed any pain meds today. Took something to help me sleep last night. Had too much chemo info in my brain still so took sleep aid.

Well I think I will continue in the mood of quiet for the rest of the evening.

Chemotherapy is coming. . .

Our first visit to Lakeland Regional Cancer Center this morning.  Treated so kind by everyone we came in contact with. Right down to the cookie and coffee ladies taking good care of Randy.

Dr Nakka is wonderful. Good exam, great knowledge of what my case was about. Didn't mind questions by us during our discovery time.

Radiation is not an option for me due to the invasive cancer. We will begin chemo 1 month from surgery to give the body time to heal from the surgery itself. We will attend chemotherapy education classes so it won't be quite so scary when the sessions actually start. I will be given a port for injection site to protect my veins. I have bad veins - hard to get any needles to draw blood. They found this out for themselves cause I had to have lab work done today.

My first session of chemo will be 2 meds  (Adriamycin and Cyroxan) working together given 3 weeks apart for 4 sessions. Forgot to mention side effects will be hair loss and weakness/tiredness etc. I am hoping to stay somewhat normal through all of this. Chemo on Thursday and then have all weekend to build my strength up for working Mon-Wednesday. My WW friends/staff have been so great covering for me during this time. I appreciate them so much.

My second session of chemo will be 1 med given Taxotere for 4 weeks. The following day I will go back and receive and injection of Herceptin.

Following all of these sessions I will take Newlasta for a year. WELL that was a lot of information for me to try and remember but I can keep taking one day at a time. Lean on you my family and friends. You are
all such a great help to us. Randy did ask the dr for meds this morning. "What do you have for us husbands?" He us so strong and so gentle. I know I could not do this without his love and support. Please pray for him too he can't take away the hurt for me and he feels so helpless at times.
the Journey continues.

Sept 4, 2012 First Visit to Oncologist

Today is a new beginning to our battle. I realize more and more this is truly "our" battle. Randy has been right by my side each and every time. Facing the bandages off, staples out, helping with all aspects of my daily life. I love him so much.

Today we go and meet out medical oncologist and learn the game plan for our next phase. Will they scan and find where the cancer has spread to in the body? Then radiation? OR will they chemo the entire body to kill the cancer cells?  Some many questions I still don't know all the questions to ask or all the possible answers to them.

One thing I do know = I have great support with my family and our friends. I know you are out there praying for us. Please continue to pray for us especially today. I did not sleep last night - trying not to let worrying creep back into my heart.

Trusting -

The light of God surrounds me
The love of God enfolds me
The power of God protects me
The presence of God is with me = wherever I am God IS.

Marsha

Saturday, Sept 1, 2012

Yesterday was quite eventful for me. Got the staples out, learned some exercise techniques and got the BEST SHOWER EVER!! I'm just saying.

I am able to look at the incision site without cringing. Dr Howard did an amazing job for me. This morning the swelling is much better. I tried to get through the night with meds but by 12:30 I had to take something. The incision line was painful to the point of not sleeping. Will I ever get to sleep on my tummy again?? That is just the best sleep time for me.

Today is a new day - let's live it!