So, Vegas was a hoot, as usual. The weather was great, and we got in some high quality h2o time at the Mandalay Bay Beach and The Mirage Pool. Dinner at Tao was the most delicious meal I have had in Vegas, and we nearly got squashed to death at Tao night club. A can of sardines had nothing on that place. Needless to say, that was the shortest nightclub visit ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The fire codes must be more lenient in Vegas. Any who, back home and ready to get the rest of these radiation treatments done done and done!!!
So, a week and a half or so later, radiation treatments are finished. Got my discharge papers and info and found out that I, me, Ms Jalapeno Pepper, cannot and should not have been eating spicy foods, especially jalapeno's. I can handle that for another 2 weeks, I'm just happy as hell to be finished with the treatments.
Ohhhh Yeaaaaa. Happy Dancing abound!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Mapping
So, the first radiation appointment won't be an actual treatment, but an an appointment for mapping, so to speak. Kind of like getting exact coordinates for the areas that will be receiving radiation.
Now, this seems fine and dandy, BUT, remember my claustraphobia issues???? Yea, well, those issues arouse again today. Here's the deal. They had to mold a mask to my face, and I am to wear this thing for every treatment. It is to ensure that I do not move one millimeter. Now, I understand all of this is important and I really really appreciate it, because I wouldn't want to receive radiation to an unnecessary area on my body. But, get a load of this thing
Lemme tell you, when I say I freaked out and cried like a baby, I MEAN, I kicked my legs and dropped alligator tears from my eyes and cried, "TAKE IT OFF, TAKE IT OFF, TAKE IT OFF!!!!!!! Mind you, this picture was taken after they cut the eyes and mouth holes out for me.
This mask was bolted to the iron table with ME IN IT!!!!! and for some reason. my brain didn't register to me that I could still breath with this thing on. My brain did not pick up the fact that this device is see through, all my brain processed was MASK, BOLTED DOWN, CANT MOVE. Translation = FEAR.
Well,once I had my total melt down and the technicians brought me back from the world of hysterics, I was OK and they were able to get half of what they needed to get done for this day. They were so wonderful, said no worries, we could finish the other portion of the mapping on my next visit and I could do the actual treatment then or just do it on the following day so I wouldn't have to be in that mask for so long, and what do you know, the next day was a breeze. No more hysterics, I lay there and received my first radiation treatment and they were able to get the mapping finished before that. I'm a big girl after all!!!! So, I'm off to Vegas for a weekend of fun with Aaron, and his dad and brother and friends. A Blast is in the very near future!!!!!!
Love Hugs and Lady Bugs
Now, this seems fine and dandy, BUT, remember my claustraphobia issues???? Yea, well, those issues arouse again today. Here's the deal. They had to mold a mask to my face, and I am to wear this thing for every treatment. It is to ensure that I do not move one millimeter. Now, I understand all of this is important and I really really appreciate it, because I wouldn't want to receive radiation to an unnecessary area on my body. But, get a load of this thing
This mask was bolted to the iron table with ME IN IT!!!!! and for some reason. my brain didn't register to me that I could still breath with this thing on. My brain did not pick up the fact that this device is see through, all my brain processed was MASK, BOLTED DOWN, CANT MOVE. Translation = FEAR.
Well,once I had my total melt down and the technicians brought me back from the world of hysterics, I was OK and they were able to get half of what they needed to get done for this day. They were so wonderful, said no worries, we could finish the other portion of the mapping on my next visit and I could do the actual treatment then or just do it on the following day so I wouldn't have to be in that mask for so long, and what do you know, the next day was a breeze. No more hysterics, I lay there and received my first radiation treatment and they were able to get the mapping finished before that. I'm a big girl after all!!!! So, I'm off to Vegas for a weekend of fun with Aaron, and his dad and brother and friends. A Blast is in the very near future!!!!!!
Love Hugs and Lady Bugs
Just Thankful
Session 5 and 6 were a success, which means I am done with that round of treatments. Onward and upward, right up the hall that is, to the Radiation Oncology Department.
Today, I met with my Radiation Oncologist and the game plan here is 12 days of radiation treatments. Ratiation treatments are done daily, with weekends off, so that equates to 2 work weeks and 2 days for me. And these treatments will be fast, lasting about 15 to 20 minutes. Now, that probably seems like a lot when you think of 5 day a week, but having spoke to other patients in the waiting room., and hearing of their treatment schedules, mine will be quick in comparison. The nicest man on the planet, who always wants to give me hot chocolate and make sure I am feeling well told me he as 4 months of radiation therapy. The loveliest lady ever, who has throat cancer and is in a wheelchair and speaks by writing because of a trach and other complications and seems to weigh 90 lbs, said a prayer for me as she held my hands and bowed her head and delivered her silent prayer, has 6 months (this time) of radiation and other treatments. So, Do you hear this chic complaining!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hell No. I will endure my little 12 days and thank God every chance I get, and I have a chance every minute.
To know that there are people out there that can take a moment to help someone else feel better or to say a prayer for someone else who was dealt a better card than themselves, warms my heart and fills my eyes with tears and joy. You guys, don't forget to be thankful and enjoy everyday you have been given and give someone a hug who looks like they may need one.
Love, Kisses, and Peppermint Sticks!!!!! Talk to ya later
Today, I met with my Radiation Oncologist and the game plan here is 12 days of radiation treatments. Ratiation treatments are done daily, with weekends off, so that equates to 2 work weeks and 2 days for me. And these treatments will be fast, lasting about 15 to 20 minutes. Now, that probably seems like a lot when you think of 5 day a week, but having spoke to other patients in the waiting room., and hearing of their treatment schedules, mine will be quick in comparison. The nicest man on the planet, who always wants to give me hot chocolate and make sure I am feeling well told me he as 4 months of radiation therapy. The loveliest lady ever, who has throat cancer and is in a wheelchair and speaks by writing because of a trach and other complications and seems to weigh 90 lbs, said a prayer for me as she held my hands and bowed her head and delivered her silent prayer, has 6 months (this time) of radiation and other treatments. So, Do you hear this chic complaining!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hell No. I will endure my little 12 days and thank God every chance I get, and I have a chance every minute.
To know that there are people out there that can take a moment to help someone else feel better or to say a prayer for someone else who was dealt a better card than themselves, warms my heart and fills my eyes with tears and joy. You guys, don't forget to be thankful and enjoy everyday you have been given and give someone a hug who looks like they may need one.
Love, Kisses, and Peppermint Sticks!!!!! Talk to ya later
Tap Tap Tap
The days in between one chemo session and the next are relaxing days for me. I'm not involving myself in much of anything these days, although at times, I feel like I should be doing something, some kind of work, weather it be sketching out some ideas for my very delayed and unnamed clothing line or making up some cool and fantastic jewelry. But my mind is in such a relaxed and peaceful place, I'll just leave everything where it is, in limbo for now. Besides, I'm like a baby these days, with all the naps I seem to be taking. I am, however, doing a lot of reading, which is my favorite pass time. I'm all caught up on the Sookie Stackhouse series, and re read my favorite book, The Fountain Head by Ayn Rand. I started Atlas Shrugged, but couldn't get into it. I'll try again later. I also have read Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin, whom I absolutely adore reading and will be going to the library to pick up The House of Seven Gables. Catching up on some classics over here.
Chemo session 5 is upon me, and I am so looking forward to knocking it off the list!!! Hugs Love and Lady Bugs!!!! Talk to yall later
Chemo session 5 is upon me, and I am so looking forward to knocking it off the list!!! Hugs Love and Lady Bugs!!!! Talk to yall later
Happy Dancing Abound
My next chemo session is done. HOORAY HOORAYYYYY!!!!! Four down, two to go. Most importantly, I am getting another PET scan today and having my lungs retested. The PET scan is to reevaluate the size of the enlarged lymph nodes and the pulmonary function test is to make sure that the chemo has not caused any damage to my lungs.
Back in the Dr office a few days later, and .......SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE, SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE, SHAKE YOUR BOOTY..... (that's me doing my happy dance agian). The results of the PET scan have revealed that the cancer is gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys, I am so so so excited and happy and elated, and grateful and ecstatic and overjoyed and delighted, and DID I SAY HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, that's the most fantastic news I have heard in long time. So, with my hair still in tact and me feeling good, the chemo has done what it was hired to do. So, Doc says, I still have to finish the prescribed course of treatment (no complaints here), which includes the remaining chemo sessions and some corresponding radiation therapy, which I will find out at a later date the bells and whistles of that treatment.
I feel like a small celebration is in order, however, no libations on my part. I vowed to not drink through this treatment schedule. But a nice dinner is in order, don't you think!!!! Lets just celebrate for today, tomorrow and life in general, and say a prayer for those inflicted with more serious cases of cancer and any other diseases. I send prayers and good energy out there to all of those in worst situations than my own, and remember, someone else is going through much worse that what you are dealing with, so be thankful.
Back in the Dr office a few days later, and .......SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE, SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE, SHAKE YOUR BOOTY..... (that's me doing my happy dance agian). The results of the PET scan have revealed that the cancer is gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys, I am so so so excited and happy and elated, and grateful and ecstatic and overjoyed and delighted, and DID I SAY HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, that's the most fantastic news I have heard in long time. So, with my hair still in tact and me feeling good, the chemo has done what it was hired to do. So, Doc says, I still have to finish the prescribed course of treatment (no complaints here), which includes the remaining chemo sessions and some corresponding radiation therapy, which I will find out at a later date the bells and whistles of that treatment.
I feel like a small celebration is in order, however, no libations on my part. I vowed to not drink through this treatment schedule. But a nice dinner is in order, don't you think!!!! Lets just celebrate for today, tomorrow and life in general, and say a prayer for those inflicted with more serious cases of cancer and any other diseases. I send prayers and good energy out there to all of those in worst situations than my own, and remember, someone else is going through much worse that what you are dealing with, so be thankful.
Step by Step, Day by Day
Things seem to be moving along quite nicely. This will be my 3rd chemo session, which means, I will be reevaluated soon.... to see how the cancer is responding to the chemo. I'm feeling great, so in my eyes, they means the PET scan will show some positive signs.
The 3rd session is a success, and Wednesday night, an angle in nurses clothes fame me my Nulasta shot along with some fantastic info about curbing that bone pain. CLARATIN!!!!!!!! The sinus drug, Claratin . She says, for some unknown reason, the Claratin helps tremendously with the bone pain. I'm ready to try anything at this point. YEEESSSS, I'm excited about this!!!!!
Well, I did as the angle in nurses clothes said, and I also took a tylenol PM. How do I feel today, you ask????? I FEEL LIKE DANCING. In fact, I did do a lil happy dance when I got out of bed this morning. I feel great!!!! My head is sore, my shoulders are tender, but not at all like the first time. The rest of my body avoided the gang fight and the semi truck. WHEWW, Thanks GOD
CLARATIN IS MY BFF
The 3rd session is a success, and Wednesday night, an angle in nurses clothes fame me my Nulasta shot along with some fantastic info about curbing that bone pain. CLARATIN!!!!!!!! The sinus drug, Claratin . She says, for some unknown reason, the Claratin helps tremendously with the bone pain. I'm ready to try anything at this point. YEEESSSS, I'm excited about this!!!!!
Well, I did as the angle in nurses clothes said, and I also took a tylenol PM. How do I feel today, you ask????? I FEEL LIKE DANCING. In fact, I did do a lil happy dance when I got out of bed this morning. I feel great!!!! My head is sore, my shoulders are tender, but not at all like the first time. The rest of my body avoided the gang fight and the semi truck. WHEWW, Thanks GOD
CLARATIN IS MY BFF
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Noises Noises Noises
The next week after receiving my Nulasta shot, things were a little uncomfortable, but nothing to run to the doctor about. For instance, and I don't know if this is from the chemo or the shot, my stomach has some ummm, how shall I put this,.......... rumbling in the jungle. So, the rumbling starts, then........ the gas comes. Now, this ain't your average everyday lil toot. This gas sounds like a motorcycle is in our apartment. I don't understand for the life of me, how someone my size can emit such a roaringly thunderous noise. Dam, should I be worried. This does not sound possible or normal, this noise. Aaron seems to be at a loss for words, as this motor cycle keeps ripping through the rooms. I'm so so sorry he has to hear this, but it's so shocking that I can't help laughing at myself when it happens.
Also, I get these shooting pains in my stomach. It's mainly at night, when I'm laying and not moving around. But after I fall asleep, it's OK. The bone pain fades over the first week and the next week, I'm pretty much back to my normal self, other that a few naps through out the day. But the motor cycle still revs it up.
So, that's about it. Nothing to worry or complain about. Oh......speaking of worry. The doctor and nurse said that I would start loosing my hair 7 to 14 days after my first treatment, and also, that my urine would turn bright orange due to one of the drugs which is bright orange. Neither of things has happened yet. I'm curious as to why not. Oh, well, it's not like I'm dieing to have pee the color of fire, and I sure as cuss don't wanna loose my hair. So, like I said, No Worries., On to the next one.
Also, I get these shooting pains in my stomach. It's mainly at night, when I'm laying and not moving around. But after I fall asleep, it's OK. The bone pain fades over the first week and the next week, I'm pretty much back to my normal self, other that a few naps through out the day. But the motor cycle still revs it up.
So, that's about it. Nothing to worry or complain about. Oh......speaking of worry. The doctor and nurse said that I would start loosing my hair 7 to 14 days after my first treatment, and also, that my urine would turn bright orange due to one of the drugs which is bright orange. Neither of things has happened yet. I'm curious as to why not. Oh, well, it's not like I'm dieing to have pee the color of fire, and I sure as cuss don't wanna loose my hair. So, like I said, No Worries., On to the next one.
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