Big Week! Arrived on Sunday in Houston and stayed with Mark and Jeanne Marie. Monday we worked with the MD Anderson team all day running tests and scans. We met Carol (Dr, Flemings P.A) who walked us through all the test and scans like a true pro.
We arrived back and MD Anderson today to meet with Dr. Fleming and his team to discuss tests and scan results in detail as well as develop of plan of action. The good news is nothing has changed. The tumor is the same size and there is no sign of the cancer spreading. Dr. Fleming paid the Texas Oncology a huge compliment with Cindy's care and plan moving forward.
Dr. Fleming recommended the multi- directional radiation in conjunction with Chemo for 28 days followed by the Whipple surgery 6-8 weeks after radiation. The time line has shifted slightly. We now expect the surgery the first week in November.
We plan to continue radiation therapy with Texas Oncology and then transfer to MD Anderson for the actual surgery. Mark and Jeanne are preparing a down stairs suite for me at the house (So Sweet). I will be in the hospital for two weeks post surgery and need to stay in the Houston area another two weeks. We will
have Thanksgiving in Houston and hopefully family can travel. It will take 6-8 months to return to normal and as Dr. Fle ming said I will be able to jump out of planes like some of his other patients. (LOL).
We plan to do the Surgery in Houston with Dr. Fleming due to the amount of surgeries he and his staff have conducted. Dr McKenzie is fantastic and will remain our back up. This is a huge surgery and is complicated by the fact they may need to graph a vein that the tumor is resting against. MD Anderson has performed more of these surgeries than any other facility and Dr. Fleming is the lead surgeon for the Whipple with the best results. He has conducted over 45 of the Whipple plus surgery with a 100% success rate.
The MDA team confirmed the spot on the liver was a hemangioma and not metastases of the cancer. The Gallbladder is still acting up and will be removed during the surgery. We are hoping to manage the pain with out a drain tube surgery but only time will tell. We were dismissed early with a great future prognoses and the renewed confidence in our Austin team. Dr. Fleming several times what a great job they have done in my current treatment and plan for a full recovery by early next year.
My main focus now is to get as healthy as possible and train for the Whipple surgery. It is considered a marathon surgery and the healthier and stronger I am the better the results. We have added an enzyme to help me retain nutrients in the food I consume. Now more than ever I just need to work out, eat right and stay focused on training for the surgery.
Thank you all for your prayers. Again, HE hears you!
Cindy
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Last Chemo
Sorry for the delay friends. Paul had his computer out of town and using another computer was not allowing me to log on.
I saw my GI, Dr. Srygley on Monday. He wanted to confirm everything we discussed before he headed out of town. I've been taking the two antibiotics and they took care of the pain and fever right a way. We discussed the possibility of the exterior tube in more detail. The plan is to keep me on these antibiotics for two weeks. Then go off and see if the pain and fever come back. Most likely it will given my pattern so far.
If this happens, he will put in the tube to drain the gallbladder. The tube is the size of a straw with small bag that I can tape down and won't show through most clothing. It takes about 3 months before it needs to empty, but I'll only have it about 6 weeks or so.
Tuesday was my last "chair" chemo treatment. Had an appointment first with Dr. H, my oncologist. She said this next set of scans we get from MD Anderson will be crucial to what's next. There is the .5 mm spot on my liver they want to MRI. It's too small to call it anything right now.
As of now, we will still meet with the radiologist on the 1st and Dr. H that same day to go over MD Anderson's information and decide the right course of action.
My brother, Tom and is lovely family are here now from Albuquerque. I love having all the cousins together We love to reminisce memories from when they lived here in Austin and family vacations. My two nephews, Kevin and Kyle, stayed with me during chemo for about an hour. Such a blessing to have that private time with just them.
Thank you to those who have been delivering meals the past couple of weeks. YUM! You guys can sure cook!
Prayers for good scans next week that will allow us to follow the treatment protocol already planned.
Hugs all around,
Cindy
I saw my GI, Dr. Srygley on Monday. He wanted to confirm everything we discussed before he headed out of town. I've been taking the two antibiotics and they took care of the pain and fever right a way. We discussed the possibility of the exterior tube in more detail. The plan is to keep me on these antibiotics for two weeks. Then go off and see if the pain and fever come back. Most likely it will given my pattern so far.
If this happens, he will put in the tube to drain the gallbladder. The tube is the size of a straw with small bag that I can tape down and won't show through most clothing. It takes about 3 months before it needs to empty, but I'll only have it about 6 weeks or so.
Tuesday was my last "chair" chemo treatment. Had an appointment first with Dr. H, my oncologist. She said this next set of scans we get from MD Anderson will be crucial to what's next. There is the .5 mm spot on my liver they want to MRI. It's too small to call it anything right now.
As of now, we will still meet with the radiologist on the 1st and Dr. H that same day to go over MD Anderson's information and decide the right course of action.
My brother, Tom and is lovely family are here now from Albuquerque. I love having all the cousins together We love to reminisce memories from when they lived here in Austin and family vacations. My two nephews, Kevin and Kyle, stayed with me during chemo for about an hour. Such a blessing to have that private time with just them.
Thank you to those who have been delivering meals the past couple of weeks. YUM! You guys can sure cook!
Prayers for good scans next week that will allow us to follow the treatment protocol already planned.
Hugs all around,
Cindy
Friday, July 18, 2014
Very Long Day
Arrived early this morning at Austin Radiology for the gallbladder scan. A two hour scan turned into a 4 because the gallbladder was not showing up under the dye after 1 hour. The tech said she wanted to see if individual scans every hour would work, but it didn't. So, my gallbladder is inflamed/ has colitis as suspected by Dr. Srygley. So, what does this mean? The metal stint is pushing against the valve causing inflammation. He explained 4 options.
1.- Go in and take out the gallbladder, but this would compromise my treatment.
2- Go in and replace the stint with a plastic one, but again this would need to be done every 3 weeks and compromise my treatment.
3. Continue taking antibiotics for 2 weeks to reduce the inflammation, meanwhile treating pain and fever with meds. I am on 2 different antibiotics- Pliva and Ciprofloxan
He wants to start with option 3 so we can continue the treatment plan. Compromising it is the LAST RESORT. If this does not work, and he said there is a 50% chance it won't, then there is another plan. He will install an external drain /tube that will allow it to do its job until surgery.
Obviously, prayers the antibiotics work! Having another "thing" attached to me daily has me bummed. :(
I'll have the chemo pump every day by then.
I have a follow up appointment with Dr. Srygley on Monday at 1:00. Thank you my friend, Sara, for using up one of your last summer days to give me a ride.
Hugs,
Cindy
1.- Go in and take out the gallbladder, but this would compromise my treatment.
2- Go in and replace the stint with a plastic one, but again this would need to be done every 3 weeks and compromise my treatment.
3. Continue taking antibiotics for 2 weeks to reduce the inflammation, meanwhile treating pain and fever with meds. I am on 2 different antibiotics- Pliva and Ciprofloxan
He wants to start with option 3 so we can continue the treatment plan. Compromising it is the LAST RESORT. If this does not work, and he said there is a 50% chance it won't, then there is another plan. He will install an external drain /tube that will allow it to do its job until surgery.
Obviously, prayers the antibiotics work! Having another "thing" attached to me daily has me bummed. :(
I'll have the chemo pump every day by then.
I have a follow up appointment with Dr. Srygley on Monday at 1:00. Thank you my friend, Sara, for using up one of your last summer days to give me a ride.
Hugs,
Cindy
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Gallbladder CT
Sorry for the delay. We just found out today the gallbladder procedure will be tomorrow, Friday, at 7:45 in the morning at the ARA midtown off 38 1/2 St.
Today was a great day with no fever and very little pain. I helped my team go over resumes, had lunch with old friends from Pond Springs, the school I taught at for 13 years before Fern Bluff. Then I made a quick stop at a favorite store to spend the rest of a gift card. :)
I've come to the conclusion that if this procedure comes back clean, then this low grade fever and minimal to medium pain is just my bodies way of dealing with all the %$*&#@ that's going on inside it. As long as I can maintain enough comfort with meds then lets move on and get the rest of this party started. haha
Not sure when results will be available but I'll post ASAP.
Hugs and enjoy your weekend,
Cindy
Today was a great day with no fever and very little pain. I helped my team go over resumes, had lunch with old friends from Pond Springs, the school I taught at for 13 years before Fern Bluff. Then I made a quick stop at a favorite store to spend the rest of a gift card. :)
I've come to the conclusion that if this procedure comes back clean, then this low grade fever and minimal to medium pain is just my bodies way of dealing with all the %$*&#@ that's going on inside it. As long as I can maintain enough comfort with meds then lets move on and get the rest of this party started. haha
Not sure when results will be available but I'll post ASAP.
Hugs and enjoy your weekend,
Cindy
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
CT results
Dr. Srygley called and said the CT did not show any infection or blockage with the stint. Possible gallbladder colitis causing the fever, so we are waiting to hear back to schedule another CT that will use dye to enter the gallbladder and show if there if any colitis/ inflammation. Once this is determined, then he and my surgeon decide if the gallbladder needs to be removed sooner rather than later. We should hear back today.
GOOD NEWS!
I am retiring! I knew I was close but didn't realize it was this year. The district contacted me and let me know that I qualify. The timing couldn't be better. I was very worried about not starting the school year with my first graders and not being able to return until January. It is with mixed emotions of course. My first thought was not YAY, but tears over the little faces I will not see this Fall. My team and the staff at Fern Bluff Elementary are like family and I am going to miss them very much. I am looking forward to healing and then volunteering when I can at school to keep in touch with everyone. This is not how I saw an end to my 30 year career. Prayers were certainly answered in a big way and I feel very blessed.
Hugs,
Cindy
GOOD NEWS!
I am retiring! I knew I was close but didn't realize it was this year. The district contacted me and let me know that I qualify. The timing couldn't be better. I was very worried about not starting the school year with my first graders and not being able to return until January. It is with mixed emotions of course. My first thought was not YAY, but tears over the little faces I will not see this Fall. My team and the staff at Fern Bluff Elementary are like family and I am going to miss them very much. I am looking forward to healing and then volunteering when I can at school to keep in touch with everyone. This is not how I saw an end to my 30 year career. Prayers were certainly answered in a big way and I feel very blessed.
Hugs,
Cindy
Monday, July 14, 2014
Pain and fever are back
Pain and fever not my best friends came back to visit last night. Fever has stayed low grade so not a big concern but worthy of attention since it continues to reoccur even while on antibiotics. Woke up with little pain, however. :) Today we went to Dr. Hellerstendt's office to look at blood work. They have started me on additional antibiotics and probiotics. Dr. Srygley,my GI, was brought in and agreed to evaluate current stint with a ct scan. CT scan scheduled for 9:50 am tomorrow in Georgetown.
We are a little disappointed, this is supposed to be my good week. We take one step forward and a half a step backward but we are still moving forward. But I also know that the chemo accumulates so not every day/week will look the same. Blood work looked like expected post chemo with borderline anemia. I am very tired today and hoping for a much better day tomorrow.
Hugs,
Cindy
We are a little disappointed, this is supposed to be my good week. We take one step forward and a half a step backward but we are still moving forward. But I also know that the chemo accumulates so not every day/week will look the same. Blood work looked like expected post chemo with borderline anemia. I am very tired today and hoping for a much better day tomorrow.
Hugs,
Cindy
Saturday, July 12, 2014
What a difference a day makes
Having a good week. Started the antibiotics so no more pain. Wednesday and Thursday I felt good. Enjoyed my time visiting with my long time BFF, Jane, from Dallas who I've known since the 4th grade.
We have a good time remembering our time in Florida together playing dolls, swimming non stop, and listening to our favorite heart throbs. Friday was my "BLAH" day. Mostly tired and more nauseous. Woke up today feeling much better. :) Jane left today, but not without leaving behind some comfort foods for the week. Home made peach cobbler and banana pudding. Thank you my special friend.
Not much on the calendar next week but the usual lab check with the physicians assistant. Looking forward to my brother Tom and his family coming for my last chemo treatment . The rest will be the 6 week combo pump/radiation. We meet with the radiologist on August 1.
Several friends have mentioned having a hard time getting on the care calendar. Here is the info again...
www.carecalendar.org log in- 183546C password- 4772
Blessings to all,
Cindy
We have a good time remembering our time in Florida together playing dolls, swimming non stop, and listening to our favorite heart throbs. Friday was my "BLAH" day. Mostly tired and more nauseous. Woke up today feeling much better. :) Jane left today, but not without leaving behind some comfort foods for the week. Home made peach cobbler and banana pudding. Thank you my special friend.
Not much on the calendar next week but the usual lab check with the physicians assistant. Looking forward to my brother Tom and his family coming for my last chemo treatment . The rest will be the 6 week combo pump/radiation. We meet with the radiologist on August 1.
Several friends have mentioned having a hard time getting on the care calendar. Here is the info again...
www.carecalendar.org log in- 183546C password- 4772
Blessings to all,
Cindy
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Morning after
Good Morning!
Well an uneventful night, Yay ;) My medicine is working well and my cancer fighters with their purple capes worked all night. Hot flashes were annoying most of the night, even had to change my nightgown, but no breakout pain and no fever. I am feeling well this morning but a little tired and my body is moving faster than my brain, Chemo brain. So gotta take it slow.
I ate a wonderful breakfast and am feeling good overall. Paul is driving me to School today to talk to Dr. Wilson about the 2014 school year. I do not trust myself driving under all the medications. Paisley is keeping me company and is the best greeter in the morning. McChemey is pumping my chemo drugs as I type. I return him Thursday at 2:00.
Thanks again to all my friends and family for your support and many gifts. I gained 3 lbs from my last treatments, which is really hard to do under chemo. It is a direct reflection of the many wonderful meals from my dear friends. The care calendar has been a true blessing.
Love, Cindy
PS: Please keep the prayers coming. We have already received so many blessings.
Well an uneventful night, Yay ;) My medicine is working well and my cancer fighters with their purple capes worked all night. Hot flashes were annoying most of the night, even had to change my nightgown, but no breakout pain and no fever. I am feeling well this morning but a little tired and my body is moving faster than my brain, Chemo brain. So gotta take it slow.
I ate a wonderful breakfast and am feeling good overall. Paul is driving me to School today to talk to Dr. Wilson about the 2014 school year. I do not trust myself driving under all the medications. Paisley is keeping me company and is the best greeter in the morning. McChemey is pumping my chemo drugs as I type. I return him Thursday at 2:00.
Thanks again to all my friends and family for your support and many gifts. I gained 3 lbs from my last treatments, which is really hard to do under chemo. It is a direct reflection of the many wonderful meals from my dear friends. The care calendar has been a true blessing.
Love, Cindy
PS: Please keep the prayers coming. We have already received so many blessings.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
One more to go
Girls night last night was so much fun. Too much food but never enough girl time. That night I started running a low fever again. About 99-100. I had been having pain again for several days anyw here from a 5-7.
We called our GI that night to be sure I didn't need to go in..He said as long as I wasn't showing any jaundice symptoms and fever stayed below 100 I could wait till morning when I would see Dr. H and we could check my labs. I took some extra pain meds that night and slept fine. PHEW! I DID NOT WANT TO GO BACK TO THE HOSPITAL!!!
Labs were all good, including my liver #s. WBC was high, but it has been since this started. She didn't hesitate to write a prescription for augmentin and also gave me a bag of IV antibiotics today. Our thoughts were that sometimes infections do not go away with one round of antibiotics so lets try round 2. Pain has subsided for now, Dr. S, the GI,thinks it could be my body rejecting the new stint, but he will talk with my surgeon about that and get back to us. The gallbladder still needs to come out, as of now the plan is to keep moving along and take care of both during my Whipple surgery.
A huge shout out to my chemo buddies today, Caroline, Pam,Paul and Stacy. I think you guys spent more time visiting and watching me nap. I was hoping for a card game or maybe a movie, but the eyelids were not having it. haha
Tomorrow my BFF, Janie, who I have known since the 4th grade, is driving in from Dallas to stay a couple days while Paul works and gets caught up. Dallas isn't far, but we don't see each other nearly enough.
We called our GI that night to be sure I didn't need to go in..He said as long as I wasn't showing any jaundice symptoms and fever stayed below 100 I could wait till morning when I would see Dr. H and we could check my labs. I took some extra pain meds that night and slept fine. PHEW! I DID NOT WANT TO GO BACK TO THE HOSPITAL!!!
Labs were all good, including my liver #s. WBC was high, but it has been since this started. She didn't hesitate to write a prescription for augmentin and also gave me a bag of IV antibiotics today. Our thoughts were that sometimes infections do not go away with one round of antibiotics so lets try round 2. Pain has subsided for now, Dr. S, the GI,thinks it could be my body rejecting the new stint, but he will talk with my surgeon about that and get back to us. The gallbladder still needs to come out, as of now the plan is to keep moving along and take care of both during my Whipple surgery.
A huge shout out to my chemo buddies today, Caroline, Pam,Paul and Stacy. I think you guys spent more time visiting and watching me nap. I was hoping for a card game or maybe a movie, but the eyelids were not having it. haha
Tomorrow my BFF, Janie, who I have known since the 4th grade, is driving in from Dallas to stay a couple days while Paul works and gets caught up. Dallas isn't far, but we don't see each other nearly enough.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Happy Fourth of July!
Enjoyed the day with our friends the Blocks and family poolside. Thank you Paul and Kathy Ford for inviting us and the Deaks again this year to your lovely home in the hill country where we had an amazing view of several firework shows around the area ,good food and the mini pies were a hit. :)
My labs on Tuesday were normal. Nothing to report there. Still feeling good and eating normal. The best part of this week, enjoying my morning cup of coffee again. So simple, I know, but it is the little things that sometimes mean the most. LOL
Monday night, is girls night here at my house. Can't wait to catch up with my girls and their summer vaca pics and stories. My besty, Caroline, is spending the night and taking me to Chemo on Tuesday morning.
My plan, unless Dr. H, decides to change it, is to stick with the same medication schedule from last time since it worked like a charm. :)
XXOO,
Cindy
My labs on Tuesday were normal. Nothing to report there. Still feeling good and eating normal. The best part of this week, enjoying my morning cup of coffee again. So simple, I know, but it is the little things that sometimes mean the most. LOL
Monday night, is girls night here at my house. Can't wait to catch up with my girls and their summer vaca pics and stories. My besty, Caroline, is spending the night and taking me to Chemo on Tuesday morning.
My plan, unless Dr. H, decides to change it, is to stick with the same medication schedule from last time since it worked like a charm. :)
XXOO,
Cindy
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