Ok, so I was fooled. Radiation is not a piece of cake. It's been kicking by butt lately as it accumulates.
I was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, last week, for dehydration and for a culture to rule out infection.
My results were normal and numbers were good, so just a precautionary visit. I did have to stay over night. Felt pretty yucky the rest of the week, but come Saturday, I woke up feeling normal ready to eat anything. So...like I said...WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES. I get Monday off and will have to make up the day I missed in the hospital. I should be through by Sept. 15. Only two more weeks. :)
My brother Jim and his wife Chris are here now. We are relaxing by the pool and enjoyed watching some college football even if we are for two different teams. It was very BURN ORANGE around here Saturday. Sorry Jim. haha
MD Anderson has me scheduled for a visit with Dr. Fleming on Sept. 17. Then return on Oct. 28-29 for labs and a CT. The Whipple surgery is now scheduled for Nov. 4.
Hugs all around,
Cindy
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Moving right along
I'm not blogging as much right now since most days are the same. Radiation has been a little harder than I thought with nausea and fatigue, but meds are helping and I plan my days accordingly.
I'm looking forward to seeing my two bothers Tom and Jim. Tom is coming in town from Albuquerque on the 26. It is a work trip for him so no other family joining him this time. Jim and his wife, Chris, are coming on the 30th from Miami. They will be here for the weekend. It's probably hotter here than it is there.
Paul is getting busier which is good now that my days are more predictable and I can drive myself to appointments, but he still likes to go when he can. I know I said it before, but I could not ask for a sweeter, more attentive care giver. He has always been an attentive and giving husband and we have always been very close, but this journey has made us even closer. I truly married my soul mate. Thank you again, Paul, for everything you have done for me and I know will continue to do until we beat this thing.
This weekend we have an 80th birthday party to attend and a pool party with some neighbors. Speaking of birthdays, my mom turns 88 on Saturday! It makes me very sad every time I think how long it's going to be before I am able to travel to see her. She doesn't know about my illness since she wouldn't remember any way.
I was able to sell quite a few things and lots of books from my classroom. Made myself some shopping money. :) A few first year teachers were able to get things free. The rest was donated to a place called the Caring Place in Georgetown.
Finally, a big shout out to the chefs this month. I enjoyed our visits too!
Hugs and have a great weekend,
Cindy
I'm looking forward to seeing my two bothers Tom and Jim. Tom is coming in town from Albuquerque on the 26. It is a work trip for him so no other family joining him this time. Jim and his wife, Chris, are coming on the 30th from Miami. They will be here for the weekend. It's probably hotter here than it is there.
Paul is getting busier which is good now that my days are more predictable and I can drive myself to appointments, but he still likes to go when he can. I know I said it before, but I could not ask for a sweeter, more attentive care giver. He has always been an attentive and giving husband and we have always been very close, but this journey has made us even closer. I truly married my soul mate. Thank you again, Paul, for everything you have done for me and I know will continue to do until we beat this thing.
This weekend we have an 80th birthday party to attend and a pool party with some neighbors. Speaking of birthdays, my mom turns 88 on Saturday! It makes me very sad every time I think how long it's going to be before I am able to travel to see her. She doesn't know about my illness since she wouldn't remember any way.
I was able to sell quite a few things and lots of books from my classroom. Made myself some shopping money. :) A few first year teachers were able to get things free. The rest was donated to a place called the Caring Place in Georgetown.
Finally, a big shout out to the chefs this month. I enjoyed our visits too!
Hugs and have a great weekend,
Cindy
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Radiation...a piece of cake
Just a quick update on radiation. Side effects have been minimal. Definitely feel the fatigue and only a little nauseous now and then. Sleeping well. I like my 11:45 time for radiation because I can have breakfast about 8-8:30 then either go back to bed or start the day. The no food or water for the next three hours is a little tough. Especially the no water. Everyone at the radiation office is awesome. I'm in and out in about 20-30 minutes and the office is in the same Texas Oncology building just down the street. I don't have to change into a gown which is nice. Just stay in my clothes.
Looking forward to turning in the pump tomorrow after treatment. WHOOHOO! Free at last, free at last. haha
Spent a few days this week in my classroom clearing out my things and organizing for a sale next week. I have to say it's been awesome seeing the back to school commercials and isles in the stores and not going into a panic. I plan to volunteer, but that won't be until Spring because of germs. Best wishes to all my teacher friends out their about to start their new year. :)
Hugs all around,
Cindy
Looking forward to turning in the pump tomorrow after treatment. WHOOHOO! Free at last, free at last. haha
Spent a few days this week in my classroom clearing out my things and organizing for a sale next week. I have to say it's been awesome seeing the back to school commercials and isles in the stores and not going into a panic. I plan to volunteer, but that won't be until Spring because of germs. Best wishes to all my teacher friends out their about to start their new year. :)
Hugs all around,
Cindy
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
And so it begins
My radiation was moved up to today so I could get it along with the pump. The chemo is 1/5 of the dose I had before and dispensed at a much slower pace so Dr. H. said the side effects from it will be minimal. The chemo acts as the first punch, wounding the tumor and the radiation acts as the second, going in for the kill.
This is why they have to be given at the same time. Radiation side effects are much like the chemo though and I already feel a bit nauseous. From now on I get the pump on Mondays before radiation and turn it in on Fridays after radiation.
The radiation itself was really cool. I felt like I was in a spaceship. I lie on a table and a machine with a large circle shape above me that moves around and stops every now and then and buzzes. There are also some other large extensions moving around at the same time. The circular dome is the radiation but you don't see any beams or feel anything. I had 6 beams from different directions.
Dr. Hellerstendt and Dr.Fleming, from MD had a long chat. They both that if I get any infection, fever or pain beyond control, we will do antibiotics again but alternate, week on and week off. Everyone is trying NOT to do the draining tube.
As of now I have felt great . Fingers crossed and prayers for no tube.
If we follow the 28 day schedule without interruption, my last day will be Sept. 11. MD Anderson has already scheduled my next visit after radiation for Sept. 16 and 17 to have blood work and a CT, then meet with Dr. Fleming, my surgeon, to schedule the Whipple for early November.
Hugs,
Cindy
This is why they have to be given at the same time. Radiation side effects are much like the chemo though and I already feel a bit nauseous. From now on I get the pump on Mondays before radiation and turn it in on Fridays after radiation.
The radiation itself was really cool. I felt like I was in a spaceship. I lie on a table and a machine with a large circle shape above me that moves around and stops every now and then and buzzes. There are also some other large extensions moving around at the same time. The circular dome is the radiation but you don't see any beams or feel anything. I had 6 beams from different directions.
Dr. Hellerstendt and Dr.Fleming, from MD had a long chat. They both that if I get any infection, fever or pain beyond control, we will do antibiotics again but alternate, week on and week off. Everyone is trying NOT to do the draining tube.
As of now I have felt great . Fingers crossed and prayers for no tube.
If we follow the 28 day schedule without interruption, my last day will be Sept. 11. MD Anderson has already scheduled my next visit after radiation for Sept. 16 and 17 to have blood work and a CT, then meet with Dr. Fleming, my surgeon, to schedule the Whipple for early November.
Hugs,
Cindy
Friday, August 1, 2014
Meeting with Dr. Cohen, Radiation Oncologist
Today we met with Dr. Cohen to discuss our radiology plan. I really like her a lot. She is not only very professional but easy to talk to.
I had a 4D CT to help define what position I would be in every time taking into account breathing and moving of organs. Before each treatment, they will do a mini scan to be sure things are in place.
The radiation will cover not only the tumor but nearby outside areas as well including lymph-nodes. I have 3 red X's, one on each side and one in the middle of my abdomen with clear water proof tape placed over them as position markers. So attractive, LOL.
I cannot eat 3 hours before each treatment. As of now my appointment time each day will be 11:45 except for my first which is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, August 6 at 1:45 after meeting with Dr. Hellerstendt to confirm the plan. As for getting to and from treatment, I think I can drive myself but will ask Dr. H. on Wednesday. I will post on the care calendar or get in touch with some of my local friends who might be available if any rides are needed. I get the chemo pump on Mondays and turn it in on Fridays. No side effects expected from radiation but fatigue but some may occur from chemo after a couple weeks, but nothing I haven't already experienced.
Today I felt the best I have in a long time, but I'm ready to take on whatever is needed to continue the successful results we have had so far.
Hugs all around,
Cindy
I had a 4D CT to help define what position I would be in every time taking into account breathing and moving of organs. Before each treatment, they will do a mini scan to be sure things are in place.
The radiation will cover not only the tumor but nearby outside areas as well including lymph-nodes. I have 3 red X's, one on each side and one in the middle of my abdomen with clear water proof tape placed over them as position markers. So attractive, LOL.
I cannot eat 3 hours before each treatment. As of now my appointment time each day will be 11:45 except for my first which is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, August 6 at 1:45 after meeting with Dr. Hellerstendt to confirm the plan. As for getting to and from treatment, I think I can drive myself but will ask Dr. H. on Wednesday. I will post on the care calendar or get in touch with some of my local friends who might be available if any rides are needed. I get the chemo pump on Mondays and turn it in on Fridays. No side effects expected from radiation but fatigue but some may occur from chemo after a couple weeks, but nothing I haven't already experienced.
Today I felt the best I have in a long time, but I'm ready to take on whatever is needed to continue the successful results we have had so far.
Hugs all around,
Cindy
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