Ro's Lumpy Breast

Funeral...

2011-10-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

Funeral Services

2011-10-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

Friday
Oct 28 3pm-4pm – Family Viewing
4pm-7pm – Public Viewing
Hillcrest Memorial Center
9353 W Clearwater Ave Kennewick

Saturday
Oct 29 10:30am-11:30 – Open Viewing
12pm – Funeral Services at the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Pasco Stake Chapel
Pasco Stake Center
2004 Rd 24
Pasco WA 99301

Immediately following Gravesite Dedication at Riverview Heights Cemetary in Kennewick off 10th and Olympia

A Great Wife, Mother, Daughter and Sister...

2011-10-25T01:17:00.000-07:00

Has passed away this night! We are deeply sad to say that tonight around 11:45 Rochelle Christine Bassett took her last breath. We like to think that she was waiting to see Kamden with her new Birthday present that came today and that she wanted her last kisses and hugs from the kids.
This is Kendall sister #4, and I am not as good at this as Bailey sister #5 who was getting after me today just an hour before to update the blog that I promised would get done while she was gone back a home with her own family. I hope that you all pray for the kids and Ryan at this time.
Rochelle was a great example to us in so many ways and will be missed. We know that she is in a better place. We are grateful for all the many messages that were left for her and the family they have been very comforting and a great way to remember the life of an amazing daughter of God.
We will try to update soon with more information about the funeral arrangements.
Please know that we are very at peace and that Ryan has said that he is thankful for the prayers as they have helped him feel much peace at this time.

Special day

2011-10-24T14:55:00.001-07:00

I think it will be ok if she decided to go today it will be a special day for Kamden and Rochelle. Whatever happens it will all workout for the best.

Strong heart

2011-10-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

Rochelles heart is pumping overtime to compensate for all the other organs that are beginning to shut down. She is not getting enough oxygen. The hospice nurse is here and feels it will be soon if not today. She may fight until tomorrow because she knows it's Kamdens birthday.

Nothing new

2011-10-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

Nothing new tonight, Rochelle is still unresponsive. Not much more to say.

Me not having anything to say does not happen very often, Just ask my husband. :)

Good sleep...

2011-10-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

I don't know about Ryan but I slept GREAT, amazing what good sleep will do. Also Ryan told me I was snoring all night, so I know I was out cold.

Rochelle had a fever all last night and this morning. Moving her eyes and toes are about the only way she can let us know what she needs, likes, or does not like something. I think everything going on is confusing to the kids, family over all the time, and Ryan has told them mom is dying but every morning she is still here. Even Ryan feels like she is paying him back for all those times he teased her and stood at the top of the stairs to scare her when she came up. Looking at pictures from last week and it is amazing how much weaker she as become in such a short amount of time. She has stopped drinking any water, she can no longer sit up and suck, and water only seems to cause her to cough.

Today we are having a family birthday party for Kamden,

Birthday Party

2011-10-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

Kamden turns nine on Monday, so she celebrated with a beauty party. She had the party at Rochelles good friend, Danielles house. A bunch of older girls from their church came to help all the little girls get pedicures, makeup, hair, and nails done. Don't they look beautiful! Kamden had a full day of fun thanks to everyone who helped contribute.

Ryan has been spending the day trying to make Rochelle as comfortable as possible.

Pink Soccer...

2011-10-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

Kamdens soccer team made pink ribbons and they all wore pink socks for the game!

Long night...

2011-10-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I have been up most of the night with Rochelle who had a hard night. Rochelle is sleeping and now the kids are up. Kamden has a soccer game, and her birthday party today. I am off to try and curl Kamdens hair (cross your fingers) that stubborn little girl will let me near her hair.

Movie and pizza

2011-10-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

Bassett family has a tradition of pizza and a movie on Friday nights. We rented Hocus Pocus and had pizza for dinner. I am sure this tradition will continue for years to come.

Rochelle seems even more weak tonight, We can tell she really wants to join our conversation tonight but does not have the strength to voice her opinion, we both knew exactly what she would say if she could. Rochelle had no problem voicing her opinion and you never doubted how she felt about any situation.

Pumpkin Patch...

2011-10-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

The kids did not want to go to school today so we took them to the pumpkin patch.

Relief

2011-10-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

Every day gets a little harder, Rochelle is so weak she can not even speak. Ryan made the comment yesterday that it must be frustrating for her to sit here and listen to us talk and she can not contribute, and we all know how much Rochelle loves to talk. She has no strength to even scratch her face. We have watched her lift her arms up a few inches and we think what does she need to scratch, to stretch, a drink? So of course we try them all in hopes of keeping her comfortable. She loves when we wash her face, yesterday when we were washing her arm pits she said in relief, thats just what I need.

Pay it forward

2011-10-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

Rochelle had tears today when Ryan was talking about her their first and last date, both at Dairy Queen.

Rochelle asked to see her kids tonight. They each came in and told her about their days and Ryan sat behind Rochelle holding her up and helped her to wrap her arms around each kid and give them a hug.

I lost it tonight when I came into the bedroom and Ryan said Rochelle had a sad face, and NO ONE should have to suffer like this. Especially Rochelle who is such a great person and would serve and do anything even for a stranger. Rochelle loves her friends and family so much, and has helped so many people. Even with cancer and going through surgeries and chemo she was still taking care of so many people. I know Rochelle would approve of this, I want to encourage everyone to do service for someone. Honestly Rochelle does not need anything at this time, but so many other people do. Please, carry on Rochelle's service attitude. Rochelle's attitude towards service is don't ask, just do it.

Alma 40:12
And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

This scripture brings me peace, and I look forward to the day Rochelle will be in paradise, and rest from all troubles, care, and sorrow.

No...

2011-10-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

is Rochelle's favorite word this morning no don't touch me, no medicine, no water. she has a morning routine of trying to get out of bed, today she wanted to go to West Richland Park. Ryan finally after a little work was able to give her some medicine to relax her. She is relaxed and sleeping.

Family Pictures

2011-10-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

They took family pictures last Friday, we lOVE them.

Rochelle has been sleeping most of the day. This morning she wanted to go to Freddie's (Fred Meyers) with her sisters for a girls shopping trip. She kept wanting to get out of bed, once she relaxed she has been sleeping all day.

chatty...

2011-10-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

Rochelle slept all night, and woke up this morning ready to sit up and go to the bathroom and give her kids hugs before school. She told Carter he has to go to school when he was telling his dad he didn't want to. She even told me don't touch me, when I went in to help her sit up. Just a little morning update, more to come later.

Ready for bed...

2011-10-18T21:18:00.001-07:00

Not many changes since my last post. Ryan had a meeting with the kids tonight and he mentioned it looks like mom is sleeping but she can hear them. Ryan said Rochelle will wiggle her toes if she can hear and so they all looked down and sure enough Rochelle wiggled her toes. We are getting ready for bed so I just wanted to post so everyone knew where we stood. Lots of crying today I think we are all physically and emotionally tired.

Love...

2011-10-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

Rochelle has been pretty unresponsive today . Her breathing is more shallow, but her heart is still strong.

She is not responding much today, but when Ryan said he loved her she mouthed she loved him and gave him a kiss.

The kids...

2011-10-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

I have loved every minute I got to spend with Rochelle today.

What an amazing experience this has been. Ryan was exhausted this morning when he got up, or as he put it he never went to bed, Rochelle was very agitated last night and kept wanting to get out of bed. Ryan said at 6:30am she was getting up and just wanted to go to work. Ryan took a little break and went to work for a short time today and my mom and I had a great time with Ro. Rochelle has been wanting to get up and out of bed all day or just wanting to sit up. She speaks very quiet and slurred but mostly knows exactly what she wants to say. She has been confused and other times is very cleared headed. Rochelle has been waving to no one we can see all day and talking about things that we can not see, and we have been wondering just how thin the veil is today.

The Social Worker for hospice has left the kids packets to talk about death. I have spent time today going over the packets and talking with Carter (6) and Kamden (9 next week) about their mom and giving them an opportunity to tell how they are feeling. Kamden has loved the activities. The kids have a lot of anger and whenever I ask how they are feeling they say very sad.

For those who are wondering how to make a donation:

Bank of America
Kennewick Branch
3420 West Kennewick Ave
Kennewick, Wa 99336

Rochelle Bassett Cancer Fund

Lots of laughs...

2011-10-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

Finally, after a little work we finally figured out how to get on Rochelle's blog to update. This is Bailey sister #5, I flew in last night and I am staying at Rochelle's house with Chauntel sister #3. Rochelle had a hard night last night, the hospice nurse came and doubled her pain meds. Tonight they have placed a tube in her stomach to pump out the acids, to help with her upset stomach.

Our large family has been spending the day lounging and reminiscing about the past, we also took a picture with all six sisters. We all piled onto the bed next to Rochelle and when we were asked to smile she stuck her tongue out at the camera. Another funny moment today was when she was trying to get out of the bed and Kendall #4, asked her why she was getting up and what she needed, she quickly responded with, " what are you the police". Tonight Ryan mentioned that he had hoped to find her wedding ring he was not sure where she had put it. Without a word and with eyes closed she pointed to the shelf that had a vase full of pebbles, and there it was. Today when her nephew Tristan (3yrs. old) was leaving and went to give her a kiss, her response was, "Ok it will cost you $2.50". She has been making us laugh, but mostly she has been resting eyes closed and not very verbal. She looks very fragile and frail. Ryan asked me to add this story... Last night when Rochelle was having strong pain in her stomach and they were waiting for the hospice nurse to come. Ryan kneeled down next to the bed and told Rochelle it was ok if she was ready to go she could, they would be ok. It was a very sweet and kind gesture, but Rochelle informed him she did not think that was what was going on, I think it's just my stomach, basically stop over reacting Ryan.

Fall 2011

2011-10-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

Rochelle wanted to update her blog. This is what she asked me to type... Danielle

Summer flew by so fast with all the cancer stuff going on. I visited CTCA and they didn't have much to say or do for me. I had several scans. The cancer has spread to the kidneys. With all the medical stuff I didn't get to play with my kids much. I spent a lot of time in the emergency room because of dehydration. I have now been in the hospital for 11 days. I'm hoping to go home soon once hospice is set up. Please no pity parties. I'm still a fighter - I'll just be fighting on the other side soon. Thanks for your support, your help, and your kindness. There are lots of people who need service please don't stop with me. Remember I'm not dead yet. I can still talk and have fun. I have some good moments but please understand I don't know when those will be so don't take it personal. Please have good days for me. Love, Rochelle

Don't Know What to Say BAD POSTER!

2011-08-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

It's been so long I am not sure I can remember all that has gone on this summer.

Lots of treatment and appointments. A few weeks ago I finally started Tykerb. It is not a chemo more of a hormone chemo. It seem to be dropping my CA numbers. I have had lots of stomach problems, my left leg from the knee down is numb, have a little trouble walking, I had some sever anxiety attacks. Apparently, I have completely forgotten anything for two days and did some funny things. Like trying to jump out of the truck while it was still going.

I have a doc apt tomorrow that goes over some test I had last Friday. Hope to update tomorrow.

June 2011 update

2011-06-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

Time for an update. I had a few minutes and thought i would update on what has been going on. I went to CTCA last week. So this will be a little longer.

Just before I left the numbers after round 5 went up one point. I think that was from the red blood shot I was getting. I received it for three weeks. The form I had to sign each time warned that the chemo might not work as while. So I received a blood transfussion because the shots went working. As far as the numbers go it went up one point to 78 from 77.

I then finished round 6 and went down to CTCA. They did a PET scan and found that the cancer i had before had shrink some but was still in the kidney and they lymphnods in my pelviis. Plus I have two new spots out side my kidney.

So the doctor decided to keep me on herceptin and take me off the chemo Xeloda and put me on Tykerb. Tykerb is similar to Herceptin it has to do with my hormons. I am waiting to see if the insurance with pay for it. Then I will do the Tykerb and the Herceptin. Tykerb is a pill and the herceptin is an IV drug once every three weeks.

I also had my tube replaced on my nephostomy. I am currently trying to get it put inside. The doctor's office is recoring a refferal even though my insuance doesn't recory it. I hope it will get done before summer is over.

I got my numbers before I left. My CA 2729 waas 83. Not bad went up 5 points in a week and a half.

I saw a Dr. and had a colonoscopy done and endoscopy. Found out that my stomach isn't working. So I have to take pills 4 times a day half hour before meals. Lots of fun.

If the Tykerb and Herceptin don't work then it is back to Xeloda and Tykerb if that doesn't work then on to Seattle for case studies.

I am feeling pretty good. The stomach still hurts and I am not on Tykerb but things could be a whole lot worse.

Thank you for your prayers and nice messages. They are very uplifting thank you!

rEAliZe

2011-05-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

O.k. so I didn't realize how long it has been since I have updated. Sorry! I just started round 6 on Monday. I will be going to CTCA soon to have scans, hopefully remove the tube in my back before summer hits, possible do more chemo or maybe done. We will see. I am getting more tired. I had a blood transfusion at the beginning of the fifth round. It gave me more color and a little more energy. I am still a little tired. Numbers have gone from over 800 to 4th round 77, 5th round 78. It didn't drop we think because of the Procret shots which are for helping your red blood cells. So no more Procret shot. The blood transfusion hopefully took care of bring up my counts on the red blood cell count. So I am hopeing this round will put me at 0. We will know in a few weeks. I am doing well just tired.

Still hoping for warmer weather!

What's the number

2011-04-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

It is time again to update. I have hand and foot syndrome it has gotten worse. My hands and feet are very sore and at night it tends to get a little worse. I saw the doctor this week and she said it isn't bad enough to stop treatment. Plus it seems to be working really well the chemo Xeloda. We assume this from my new CA2729 number which is now 100 and some. I can't remember if it is 150 or 113 either way this is awesome. Normal is 0-40. I have had it as low as 24 and as high as 818. So this is great news. I still have three more rounds of chemo. I am so excited numbers haven't done this well in a long while.

Just a shout out to Great Grandma Basset thank you so much for your cards you send every week. What a blessing you have been in my life. I hope you are getting better. Not saying that I haven't appreciated all the other cards, dinners, babysitting and house cleaning and even just the how are u's and the hello's, the comments on the blog they all mean a lot. They seem to always come at a good time and are very much appreciated. I haven't said that in a while so thank you so much.

I hope we see some warmer weather soon. We went to Cal. to visit Ryan's grandma she had a stroke. The weather was beautiful it was in the 70's and 80's while we were there. Apparently they had a lot of rain lately so much the farms were still flood a little. So I am looking forward to the 70's and 80's. It seems the last two spring/summer it goes 50's low 60's to 90's no in between. I would like a some spring weather.

One more thing, I know that not everyone that reads this blog is LDS but I still feel the need to bear my testimony of the truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that God I know with out the Savior and the knowledge of the gospel I would not be here today. I have a strong testimony that there is a true and living prophet on the earth today. Who I love for his great example of Service and his leadership. That the gospel of Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. That Joesph Smith translate the Book of Mormon and that he was a prophet of God. I know that without the priesthood and worth priesthood holders here on the earth today and that I would not have received so many blessing surviving this cancer I have. I love my Savior and all the many, many blessings he has given to me. I also know that the temple is the house of our Heavenly Father. I have a testimony of this. I am thankful for the temple and for the bless of being able to have an eternal family.

Again thanks for all those who still read and comment.

Feeling Well!

2011-03-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hey, mom is telling me again that it is time to update. I keep thinking about it but then I get busy do so many other things. It is that time of year. Cole started baseball practice last week. Carter hasn't been called yet for a team. Kamden was going to do soccer but we haven't heard from them yet. This is the busiest season from now until summer. I love the warmer weather and all the activities. Not that we have warmer weather right know.

Anyway about what is going on. After the first round (816) of chemo my CA 2729 number dropped to 600 and something. The swelling start to go away and so did the pain. So I went off my pain meds cold turkey. I found out that is not the way you are to go off pain meds. Oh, well now I know if I every have to do it again I will not go off the right way. I survived with just a few not so good side effects from just stopping.

So this week I saw Dr. here. Just started third round of chemo pill and Herceptin infusion. My numbers before we started third round are down to 268. Is that awesome or what. Hopefully this round will knock the numbers back to normal. Then we can do three more rounds to make sure it is gone. We will see what time brings.

I am doing really well. The only side effects the last two weeks has been the hand and foot. They have been very red and hot. So really I am doing really good. Oh, and I still have my hair.

The only bad news is I recently found out I only get 4 scans a year with my insurance and I have already used 3. Two of the scans were for the appendix and one for the cancer.

New NUMBERS

2011-02-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

Have some time today so I thought I would update. Jillian you asked about the interesting pain management dr. No we didn't see him again and no he isn't going to manage my pain. He didn't figure out a good schedule either.

Since I have been home I have seen Dr. Kris and Dr. Rado. There are a few new things. I will come back here for treatment after my second around of treatment in Phoenix. On Monday it will be the end of the first two weeks of Xeloda. Definitely more tired with this chemo or maybe just worn down because of the pain. I think Dr. Rado helped us figure out a good pain schedule for the drugs. It seems to be working and keeping the pain gone. Dr.Kris is giving me some new pills to help with all the swelling I have been having.

And last but not least my numbers as of Monday were 816. That is the highest they have ever been. When I was first diagnosed that number was in the 700's. So I hope this chemo does it job well.

Last update for this Trip to Pheonix

2011-02-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

Please forgive me.... with my messy writing.... incomplete sentences... and very bad spelling. The Dr. changed my pain meds and I seem to be more tired and loopy. So I am going to try to sum up the rest of what happened this week. Ryan and I were trained on how to take care of my nephrostamy tube. We learned new things each day this week. We also meet with a very interesting man about managing my pain. I also visited the hospital here in CTCA. They had to give me some more pain meds because the pain got out of control again last night like on Monday. We stayed busy this week. Not like two weeks ago where I got to rest a little more. Oh and guess what .....last Saturday my hair started to fall out again. I little more each day. Haven had to cut it yet.

Last update for the day!

2011-02-07T16:27:00.000-08:00

O.k. one more post for today. I saw the Dr. Malad. We are going to wait and see about the swelling. He thinks it has to do with the kidney and that the cancer in the lymph nods are causing the sever swelling and the pain. So he put me on some better pain meds. We will see how they work. I am hoping they work better than what I have been on. Tomorrow I will start Herceptin again which is an infusion once every three weeks and I have gone to a chemo therapy pill called Xeloda which I will take 3 Tabs twice a day for two weeks then off a week and repeat two weeks on one week off. I think I will be doing all that at home except this first round. That is as long as Rado is o.k. with this plan. Then I will go to CTCA Phoenix once a month or once every couple of months we will just play it by ear. Watch the CT2729 numbers.

Another update from Phoenix

2011-02-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

I saw Dr. Smith last Monday. He is the Dr. that took out my appendix. He sent my appendix to the lab. The report came back that the reason my appendix looked so different was because it was full of cancer. He said he has never seen that before. I am not saying that never happens he just said he had never seen that before.

Sunday night Ryan and I fly out here to Phoenix again. At 7am this morning I went in for surgery. I had a Nephrostomy Tube put in my kidney It takes the fluid out of my kidney and into a bag I carry on my side. The surgery went really well. I was up within an hour.

So I will see the doctors in about an hour.

I am still having a lot of pain around the pelvic area and I am swelling really bad in funny places. So hopefully they will have some answers for me. We will also see what they are going to do about the raising tumor marker. My CA2729 was over 450.

Update from Pheonix

2011-01-26T08:46:00.001-08:00

O.k. I am with you guys I love pictures but I am not at my computer today so no pictures. Sorry. Lots of update. Let's see where to start. I think I told you I had my fifth round of chemo in December. In Jan saw the doctor she decided even though numbers were up we would still do this last round to helpfully keep them from really jumping higher. I think the CA 2729 on Jan 15 was 365 or so. On Fri the 15th I had my 6th and last round of chemo and was giving orders to go a get a CT/PET.

I wasn't able to make that appoint yet. I had been having very bad pain for about two weeks before treatment and had started to take some high doses of pain meds. While on Sunday nigh after treatment on Friday I started throwing up and coming out the other end and lots of pain. So Ryan took my to the hospital. The did a CT scan and thought it look like it was probably the appendix. They decided to put us in a more comfy room upstairs about 4 am. I didn't see the doctor until about 3:45 on Monday he said let go. So 15 mins later I was being prepared for surgery. Everything went well. He did say he had never seen anything like it and didn't know why it hadn't ruptured. So I left the oh so lovely hospital around 11pm that night.

Well we decided to go back down to CTCA and see what they think of numbers being high just to look at everything. In the mean time I am in still in quite a bit a pain. CTCA got me a flight and an appointment the following Tuesday or yesterday a week after surgery.

I thought I had done such a good job collecting all the information they would need here. Long story short we didn't have everything we needed to make any decisions yesterday. They did a CT and I saw the doctor but apparently they have stop doing there own blood work for the CA2729 numbers so we are still waiting on those they take three days before we really decided what chemo to put me back on. He said there is still cancer but it doesn't seem to look as bad and there isn't any in the lungs like they thought there maybe. So he decided to check out the pain I am still having. So he sent my for an ultra sound this morning. The lady showed my what pictures she took. She showed me my right kidney it looked prefect she said then she showed the left. She said that it didn't' look normal. There were 5 black holes that is what she called them. So I will see a doc tomorrow at 2pm. Unless I hear from my doctor soon. So we are hoping thing will be all summed up by Thur Night. We shall see. I guess I am on vacation. I can't say it has been a very pain free vacation and I miss my family already. I know Ryan is taking good care of the kids.

So so long and not pictures but I did update!

2010 Last update

2010-12-31T10:55:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few pictures from 2010. We had a great year together as a family this year. We hope everyone else had a great year too.

I started the year on chemo then was able to stop have surgery go back on maintances chemo and then back to chemo treatment a new kind.

Currently I had my 5th round of chemo on Dec 17th. I have had a few reactions...rashes, bumps, aching hips and back, and a few unmentionables. Nothing that hasn't been managable. My last treatment for the set is the week of my birthday. Luckily not on my birthday. Then in Jan I will have a PET scan to see what is going on. I had a CT scan in Nov. It said that my lymphnods are stil swollen and there was something in my liver. So we will know more in Jan/Feb.

I just want to say thank you for all the kindness our family has received over the last three years. I don't think I can say that enough THANK YOU. Again hope everyone had a great year.

Just for Fun

2010-11-30T20:01:00.000-08:00

Nov Update

2010-11-30T19:54:00.000-08:00

I am doing well on this chemo. Still not alot of side effects. I still haven't gotten my numbers back from my blood work almost two weeks ago. I had a CT scan this last month. The Doc says I am fine. The scan report says I have spots on my liver and that my lymphnods are still good size. They also suggested I have a PET scan. So who knows what is going on. We shall see what time brings.

We had a great Thanksgiving with Ryan's Family. His grandma and grandpa David where here. We spent alot of time playing cards. It has been a while since we have played cards. We all had a good time. Hope everyone else enjoyed their Thanksgiving Holiday. I was hard to send the kids back to school after a week off.

update/talks

2010-10-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

Time for an update says my mom. So here it is. I have had the second round of chemo. I will be receiving my third round this coming Friday. Then a few weeks after that it is time for a scan. My numbers went up but less then 10 that is good news. I have only had 2 small easy to handle side effects. I haven't lost my hair yet and I have been able to keep up with my family and their activities.

Just a couple of months ago I was asked to speak in church and a few weeks ago I was ask to speak at a fireside. For those of you who don't know what that is it is a mtg where people gather at the church to listen to a speaker and to be taught or strengthened in the Doctrines of the church. I have been working on that for the last few weeks. I will be giving this talk on Sunday. Anyway through preparing for these two talks I have been reminded of the blessings and miracles that have occur ed in my life. I can't say I love to get up a speak but I do love the chance I have had to learn, study and be thankful for all the blessings I have received in the last three years. I know that with out my faith in my Heavenly Father and in his son Jesus Christ that I would not be here. Thank you so much to those who have blessed me and my family with your service and your comments and words.

No New News

2010-09-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

O.k. so just to update. Nothing to really update. I had treatment on Friday the 27th of Aug. So far no side effects. I was tired on the 3 and 4th day after treatment and one other side effect. So really no issues or side effects happin yet.

What's Happening?

2010-08-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

I had the CT scan. It showed cancer in all the lymph nods in the lower part of my stomach. The largest one is 3cm and a normal lymph nod is 3mm. There is also a 7cm mass of fluid. They don't know if it is cancer or just something left over from surgery. Either way the numbers are up and so the doctors have decided to start chemo again.

I have my first infusion of the new chemo today. Just like all the other times I will do three rounds and then a scan then three more rounds and a scan. We don't know for sure how many rounds we will start with 6. I will have chemo treatments once every four weeks. This is a slow acting chemo so the chemo treatments are spaced four weeks apart. I should be getting a scan again in Oct or the first of Nov.

I am on Doxil (Antineoplastic Agent, Anthracycline), Cytoxan (Antineplastic Agent, Alkylating Agent) and Aromasin (not an infusion just a hormone replacement. There are some really different side effects with these two drugs and some the same. We will wait and see what they bring to me.

I am so grateful that I didn't have to do chemo through the summer. I was able to enjoy my kids this summer. I have to say I am sad summer is pretty much over. My kids just keep getting older and bigger. I am sad it just means less time before they are gone. I hope they will always remember all the fun times and not all the fighting. I have been truly blessed to be able to continue to watch my kids grow up. I am thankful to my Heavenly Father and all of his many great blessing he has given me. Thank you to all of you that continue to pray for me and my family. I know that your prayers and mine are being answered. We have seen many miracles happen.

What number of scan is this one?

2010-08-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note. Had blood work done yesterday. Saw one of Dr.'s Assitants. My CA2729 number is 267. So it isn't up to much but it is up. So I will be gettin a CT scan on Monday and then I will see the Dr.'s Assitant again on Wednesday. Not sure what we are going to do hope they find the cancer in the CT scan.

Hope you don't mind!

2010-07-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

I hope you don't mind but I wanted to put some pictures of the family.

wHAt Up?

2010-07-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

Pictures: the one with no hair was taken in October and the one with hair was taken today.

Well I have heard how are you doing or how are you feeling a lot lately. I must not be doing a very good job of updating. Spring and summer are very busy for us. I think I have already told you that but it is very ture. Most of my time goes to the kids and there activities or just having fun together and I manage to fit in a few more things here and there. I find it harder to get to the computer and update. I am doing well and feeling great.

A few things have happened since I last updated. I recovered from my total hystorictomy really well. I was really only down for a week or so. I tried to be good about staying down and not lifting. I didn't make it the full six weeks without lifting over I think it was 10 pounds or staying down.

I was really excited after I went back and saw Dr. Muntz(Dr. that did the surgery) and talked to Dr. Malad (Dr. from Pheonix). They said that I would just need to do maintance chemo but that everything should be good now. FYI they hadn't seen my CA2729 numbers yet. I was so excited I told my kids I was done. I had never told them before that I was done because I never really thought it was over. I truely believe it was over.

When I saw Dr. Rado he informed me my CA2729 numbers went down but not that much. He also told me that I still had cancer in my pairatenial. Meaning the cancer that was floating could attach to the bowls or the lining of my stomach or whatever was left in there and start growning again. But for now he agreed to just do maintence and watch the numbers. Before surgery the CA2729 was 296. After surgery with the huge tumors being removed the number went down to CA2729 148 so in half. Then the next blood test or CA2729 was 214. That test was on the 16th.

So the Dr. wants to wait for one more blood test to see if it will go up or level off. If it levels off we will just keeping doing the maintence. If it goes up we will start scanning and try to find it and treat. Next blood test is the 5th or 6th of Aug.

So stay tuned who knows what will happen next.

Found Picture!

2010-05-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

Surgery update and cont. treatment

2010-05-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

I did this update back in May after having my ovaries and uterus removed. Mom said this one never showed up so I am posting it now. I think it didn't get posted because I was going to add a picture of the tumors but I couldn't get the picture scanned in the computer. Going to do another update.

So again I have been informed that I need to update me blog.

CTCA in Phoenix suggested that I look up a local doc to do the surgery while we waited to hear from CTCA in Chicago. So a friend recommend Dr. Muntz in Seattle and Northwest Seattle. I gave them a call and they said they could get me in May 12th for surgery. CTCA(chicgo) got back and said they could do it the end of June. So I am sure you can guess what I opted to do. Yep, we went to Seattle.

So last week I had my tumors removed. The tumors were the size of a tennis ball or as the doc said the size of his fists. The normal size for ovaries is the size of a walnut. There were two tumors one on each side. I am trying to get the picture upload cross your fingers.

The surgery went really well. They got everything out but one of the ovaries(tumor) was press up against the wall of my stomach. So doc scraped as best as he could. He said he couldn't guarantee that he got it all. So I will be doing a few more rounds of chemo. Doc didn't do a chemo wash. He said those were for people with ovarian cancer. I didn't have ovarian cancer it is or was the original breast cancer. So this means chemo again. The doc sent the tumors to two different labs to see how the tumors would react to different chemos. This will help us decided which drugs we will use for treatment. I am hoping for only three rounds of chem. We will have to see what they say the results come back the middle to end of June. This will be the first summer that I have had to do treatment.

I was told that I need to rest for the first 6-8 weeks. I am trying not to do to much. I am sure you all feel the same at this time of the year. For our family it is a really busy season so to rest is really hard. I did really well the first week with the help of friends, family and the kind people who brought dinner in for us. A huge thanks to those that kept our kids for the week of the surgery.

I have an appointment with Rado, CTCA and possibly Dr. M in a few weeks to decided on treatment. Hoping to be done with everything forever by the end of summer.

The gOOd, The bAD and the UglY!!!

2010-04-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

O.k so I thought I would update some information about my trip to Phoenix. I am still here I don't get home until tomorrow. It was the best flight coming here yet. No one talking my hear off. I got to read my book and it was only a total of 4 hours from start to finish. Well five if you count the hour wait before the plane took off from Pasco. I got here safe and everything was on time planes and ride. So that is the good news and maybe a little more later.

So I saw Dr. in Phoenix. He had a lot to say and we talked about a lot of different things. I am only going to give you a shorter version. Dr. ordered a CT scan and a bone scan. And is going to put me back on Herceptin thank goodness. So I did both test today and received my infusion or Herceptin. This afternoon I got a call from Marci. She is my patient advocate. Here is what she said to sum everything up that happened and where and what we are doing.

I am waiting to go to Chicgo to have them do the surgery and chemo wash. They just respond back to CTCA here in Phoenix. They dodn't carry the same insurance in Chicgo but luckily the except my insurance. So now we are just waiting for them to except me medically. Meaning they go over my records and make sure I am a good candidate for the surgery. So hopefully soon they will here from them. We will see. In the mean time I am going to look into going to Seattle too for the surgery. So we will see who can get me in the fasts.

The CT scan this time definitely shows no blood clot. So I will stay off Lovanox(blood thinner). It also showed that there is a very, very small amount in the lymph nods in the stomach. all good news. But....o.k. here is the bad. It shows the tumors have gotten bigger since January. So the sooner we can get the surgery done the better.

My bone scan has been done but the results aren't in. I just finished the scan at 3:30 this afternoon. I told them not to call if there is nothing wrong but to please call if there is something wrong. The Bone scan is for putting me back on Zometa. The bone building infusion.

I don't think I said anything about the CA number. He ran a CA15.3. It is a little different than the CA2729. Still the numbers are going up they were 153.

Like I said there was a lot of thinking, talking, calling, verifying and scanning. In the end I had a CT scan, Bone scan, Herceptin and blood done.

We are waiting for the surgery at this point then we will move from there. So for now again a waiting game.

What's New?

2010-04-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

So this is what my kids looked like about 8 pm every night during spring break and also now that baseball season is in full swing. I love that they get fresh air, exercise and of course are worn out and sleep so well at night.

Anyway thought I would try to do a quick update for those that are still reading. And for those that don't like to read so much info. The short of it is I am going back down to Phoenix this week for a second oppion. I finished chemo. It wasn't working anymore. So we need a new plan.

For those that want a little longer version. I finished chemo on March 8th. Received orders for a CT scan and to come back to go over them. When I saw the Dr. he said it looks like no cancer to him was left. Of course they didn't compare the last CT to the new one. They did have the last CT scan it was done down at CTCA(Phoenix) but they didn't use it I don't know why. Dr. said he could order a pelvic ultra sound and see if their was any cancer. So I had the ultra sound. The ultra sound says I still have cancer. I still haven't seen Dr. since ultra sound. They couldn't get me in for four weeks. So I am spouse to go back this Thursday to see what he says. I also leave for Phoenix on Thursday. I will see my Dr. there for a second oppion. I am hoping they will send me to Chicgo to do the surgery (take out the ovaries and the tumors) and do what they call a chemo wash. When I talked to them last week they were going to get started on the paper work for going to Chicgo.

I also saw Dr. Kris who said that he thought it was a good idea to go back down to Phoenix. So I called Wednesday right after I saw him and made an appointment to go back down to Phoenix.

My numbers have almost double in the last few weeks. CA is 200.

2010-03-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

So baseball has started. That to me marks spring is here. To bad the last two games have been freezing cold. Granted one was at 9am and the other at 7PM at night. I am hoping the warmer weather is just around the corner.

Just thought I would give you a quick update. Finished my second round on the new chemo. Must not be doing anything because the numbers went up again on the cancer tumor marker (called the CA2729) it was 105. Five weeks ago it was 79. So today I had a CT scan. I see Dr. Rado next Thursday. At that time we will decided on a new treatment. So until then we wait.

Hope everyone enjoys their spring break. I can't wait!

That time again... for an UPdAte

2010-02-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

No I do not have hair. This is for Debbie Ashton. I was thinking that I had uploaded pictures of my hair growing back from the last rounds of chemo but after talking to Debbie Ashton I guess I hadn't. I never really got any good pictures with my hair growing out. I think that is why I didn't post any pictures.

Things have been going great since I have started doing treatment here again. CTCA isn't returning my calls. So I am not sure if I will be going back there. I had hoped we could communicate and work together. It seems to be working out really well right now so that is great news.

Had a Dr. visit last week they were going to change some things but decided to leave things the way they are for now.

So I am getting Chemo 3 Mondays in a row and then just Herceptin on the other two Mondays off of chemo. I am getting neupegeon (for white blood cell counts, white fights infections) everyday during treatment and the week after treatment. I also am getting the Lovenox(blood thinner) everyday. I started the 2nd round of treatment yesterday. I am still feeling good today so I thought I should update now.

I am looking forward to baseball season hoping for warmer weather this year. Both Cole and Carter are doing baseball this year and Kamden is enjoying dance but thinking maybe it is time to do something else after just more than 4 years of dance. She thinks she wants to do soccer in the fall.

Cant Wait Until Summer!

2010-02-08T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hospital Visit

2010-02-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

Ok I guess it is time for an update. Two Sundays ago I was in Phoenix for the second dose of chemo for the first round. Remember each round I have three Mondays of Chemo and then two weeks off. After that it was quite for a few days then by Friday I had a fever. And then by Saturday I was in the emergency room. They run a few test and some blood work. They weren't sure what was wrong. They thought it was a virus but with the extremely low white and red blood cell counts I couldn't fight anything off. The er doc called Phoenix and asked them what they wanted to do. At this point I had no fever because I had taken Tylenol before going to the ER. So Phoenix said send her home and if her fever comes back tell her to come back to the ER and get an antibiotic. Likely I had an awesome ER doc. She said I don't feel good about letting you go home. She was sure the fever would be back. She asked if it would be ok to call Dr.Rado and see if he would admit me. Within a half hour my fever was back 104. She talked to Rado he said he would see me on Monday but he was out of town and couldn't admit me today. He said see if the Hospital Doc could. So she had the hospitalised admit me into the hospital on Sat afternoon. They gave me fluids and two antibiotics (every 6 hours for 3 days). Then on Sunday they also gave me 2 pints of blood and another nuepegeon shots along with my blood thinning shot Lovenox. Then on Monday I saw Dr Rado. He asked me if I wanted to go ahead with the third dose of chemo for round one. He said that all the numbers looked good. So I called Phoenix and they fax all the chemo info over and I was able to get chemo and stay on track with treatment. I was able to come home from the hospital on Tuesday. Dr. Rado has agreed to give me treatments here and all the shots so I don't have to travel back and forth between treatment. We still need to see how the Docs in Phoenix feel about the changes. I feel better about not traveling so much. I now have two weeks off from chemo. A break before we start another round.

Back Again

2010-01-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

Well last Monday I came back to the CTCA(Cancer Treatment Center of America)to find out what my treatment would be. If you remember the last chemo they were giving me dropped my platelets and so we had to wait for them to come back up. So that I could do treatment again. Dr. wasn't sure what meds or chemo to give. So by Wednesday the following week my platelets were up. He recommended a pill form of chemo. I would take it every day for two weeks and then have a week off. That would have been o.k. but pills go through the pharmacy. I would have to pay $400 every two weeks for the chemo pills. When they give me chemo through my port it is covered %100. So I asked him if we could talk about what to put me on when I came out on Monday. Which was last Monday. He said that would be fine.

So we decided last week to go ahead and go back to my same treatment I had with Dr. Rado. I will (and did last week) receive through my port Abraxane and Navel. Then on week two which is today Abraxane I think and herceptin. Then the third week Abraxane again. So three weeks of treatment and two weeks off. I will come to CTCA on Sunday nights and come home Monday night or Tuesday for those three weeks. Dr. didn't tell me how many rounds. I think it is because he doesn't think it will work and that he will have to change the chemo. I am more confident than he is about it. The last chemo he was giving me dropped the CA numbers but the tumors didn't shrink. I haven't seen the dr. yet today. I will try and update if he changes anything.

Thanks to those that are helping with meals. It is so helpful to my family. I really appreciate the help.

Lost Post

2010-01-08T22:02:00.000-08:00

O.k. really long story short. I spent awhile on Thursday morning updating the blog and lost the whole post. So I will try it again.

So Sunday we went for my fourth visit down to Phoenix for chemo treatment. Monday I had a CT scan and blood work done so I would be ready to see the Dr. on Tuesday. Tuesday I saw all my Dr.'s.

The blood work showed that my tumor markers went down again. The tumor number is around 260's. Three weeks ago they were around 400. This is great news.

The blood work also showed that my blood is still to thick. Not good for the clot. The numbers have been to low (thick) for a few awhile.

The CT showed that I still have a blood clot and it isn't any better. It also shows that the tumors on the ovaries and in the stomach (lymph nods) are unchanged.

The first thing the Dr. said was he wanted me off coumidian. My numbers have been unstable for to long. So as of Monday we switched back over to the shots. He wants the blood to be more stable for treatment and possibly surgery.

The second thing he said was that my blood work said my platelets were to low to give me chemo therapy. There isn't any thing the could give me to make my platelets grow. My body just has to have more time to make more. Platelets clot your blood. (This explains alot. I had been having blood in my mouth when I brush my teeth, blood in my nose and lots of bruising lately.) He said that was because of the low platelets. So no treatment this visit. He said I could still receive Herceptin.

We then talked about what he might like to do about treatment. With the tumor marker numbers being lower he said he knows that the cancer isn't spreading or growing but the scan also shows it really isn't shrinking. So he said he wasn't sure what he wanted to do. He had two thoughts. His first thought is that because the CT is two dimensional that it wouldn't be able to show if the thickness is shrinking. He wanted to get together with the radiologist and see if that was possible. Then he talked to us about treatment. He said we need to wait for the platelets to come up. So I did blood work today and then I will do it again on Monday to see if they have come up. The doc will get back to me about what he wants to do about treatment on Tuesday next week. He can't decided whether he wants to keep doing the treatment I am already on or change. The treatment I am on he would have to lower the dose. I did a lower dose my first time and it didn't work or do anything the numbers went up. He can't keep it at the same dose because he already knows it will kill my platelets. But that is still a possibility. The second possibility would be to give me different chemo. It would be in pill form. I would take it once a day for two weeks than have a week off. I would be able to do that here but I would still go back for Herceptin and check up and scans every three weeks still. At the end of the chemo pill they would do surgery and take out the overies and do a chemo wash.

So again we are waiting for the blood work on Monday and Dr. to call us on Tuesday and let us know what he wants to do for treatment.

Ryan and I still kept busy at the facility while we were there. A couple of the days we walked twice during the day and the rest of the days I got my 30 mins of walking in. They asked me at the first visit to walk for at least 30 mins. Well I have a hard time finding time to do it at home plus the cold weather isn't enticing. The weather in Phoenix is so nice 75 this last visit that you can't help but to be outside. Ryan and I got a little sun.

Doing good

2010-01-06T20:57:00.000-08:00

Ok just doing a quick update. Lots of new things going on in pheonix with treament. I will update everything tomorrow. For now I am doing great. I wasn't able to get treament this visit. But I am doing great no worries.

Dec 21

2009-12-21T17:54:00.000-08:00

Hey I thought I would update. I am at the hospital. No it isn't anything big. Just been running a fever for the last day. The dr in the er says all the counts look good meaning I can fight my infection. Just waiting to hear from my dr. I don't even think they will give me ant drugs. Just waiting to be released. 3rd round of chemo went well. Last week. I sometimes forget I have cancer and think i can do slot more than I should. I hope everyone enjoys there Christmas. I know I will all my sister are coming.

iT's aLL aBouT nUmbeRs

2009-12-14T16:09:00.000-08:00

Hello thought it was about time to update. I have a little time while I am in Phoenix. So thought it would be a good time. I will do a short version for those that don't like to read a long blog. Numbers are down that is good means chemo is working. I just had my third round today. I will be coming back for the fourth round in Jan. So that is the quick version of what is going on.

Longer version warning. The second round I went to Phoenix on Sunday the week of Thanksgiving and come back on Tuesday late afternoon. I saw all the doc's and had an infusion(chemo thur port). I was so tired Wednesday late afternoon, Thursday and Friday. I just laid on the couch at my mom's and visited with family. It was great that the extreme tiredness only lasted 2 1/2 days. That isn't bad. Plus I wasn't tired for the flight home. No other symptoms.

I left this Sunday after church and came out to Phoenix for the third time. Ryan stayed home with the kids the last two visits. He did a great job. He also did a great job on Kamden's hair. Amy cut it short again this last week. So I am curious to get home and see if he could fix her hair this time. Sorry got a little side tracked. Anyway, I saw all my docs and had my third infusion today. Took a two hour nap while I was there in infusion (chemo). I even got in a 30 minute walk. Much easier to get that in when it is warm and you can just walk right out the doors and it is prefect walking weather. It is in the 60's the two times before it was in the 80's also perfect weather. I love all the sunshine. (o.k. got off track again).

Doctor ( new chemo dr.) explained why I am on new drugs instead of keeping me on what I was on the first time I did chemo (Herceptin, Navelbine, Abraxane). This is what I am on now (forgive my spelling, Herceptin, Texol, Carboplatin). He also talked about that he was afraid the chemo wasn't working and we would have to do something else but it is working. We also talked about what he wanted to do the next visit. I will come for 4 days. Monday I will get new scans to check the cancer and have a massage(nice). Then on Tuesday I will see the doctors and Dr. M will talk to me about the scans and what we want to do. Wednesday is shot day and I also am going to try acupuncture for the tiredness and sore back.

He has decided not to do the CA2729. I think that is because I am getting them done with doctor Kris and he was hoping I wouldn't get them and look at them. Anyway he is doing a CA 15.3. I think is is another breast cancer marker number. So the first visit I had a blood draw a week before I received the first chemo. My number was 588
or so. So it probably went up a little in that week before the first round of chemo. Then on the second visit before the second round of chemo it went up to 680 or so. They didn't tell me. He thinks it is because he didn't give me enough of the chemo the first round. He gave me a smaller dose to see how I would do. When I did chemo with the dr.in kennewick he over dosed me the first round. My numbers dropped over 300 points. At this visit before I had the third round the number is high 400's. That was good. We don't have to change chemo that is really good news. The dose is as high as he can give and it seems to be work. yeah!!!

I know that was so long sorry. I want to say thank you to all those who are bringing in meals again. We really appreciate all the help. Thank you to all those who help Ryan out with babysitting while I am gone. It is very helpful and I don't have to worry about them (the kids and Ryan).

Just an update before 2nd round!

2009-11-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

We flew back home Tuesday morning of that week and got home Tuesday afternoon. It was so nice to be back home with our kids. 9 days was to long to be away. So you would think that the kids would be so glad we were home and glad to be back with there siblings since they hadn't spent that much time together in that 9 days we were gone. They were happy to see us but the your seating on my side, don't touch me all started on the way home. It is so nice to know that nothing has changed at home.
Thank you to all who helped us out while we were gone. The kids were well taken care of thank you so much.

As you know I had my first round of chemo almost three weeks ago. So it is about time to go back. I leave on Sunday to go back for round two of treatment. Since I have been home there has been a few things going on so I thought I would share them with you. I have to get blood work done twice a week. Blood draw twice a week for coumidin meds, blood panel every Monday for the oncologist. No big deal except for the fact that I can't have this done at the hospital by the aw some chemo nurse. I know go to a lab like everyone else. I know this doesn't sound bad but I now get poked like everyone else instead of having those draws through my port. Again no biggy. Well I have lovely bruises on both arms and the lady on Thursday hit a nerve. Oh my goodness I have never had anyone every hit a nerve while getting blood work. Although after the experience I had at the CTC with blood draws from the port the blood draws in the arm have gone better.

I have also had a CA count done this last week and the number went up about 20 points. I little different from last time. After the first round a chemo last time the number droped over 300 points and the lump in the breast was totally gone. So I am wondering what is going on does the new chemo work, or did they just really over do it last time. I don't know which but that will be one of the first question I ask.

I haven't had any side effects from this round of chemo(which has been awesome) until yesterday. My hair is starting to fall out. I was hoping to get a family picture before I lost my hair again. I think it will be another hat family picture this year. I tried to get an appointment at the picture people but they are gone. I really don't like the Penny's Sears pictures. So my sister has a very cool camera and takes great pictures. So we were hoping to get pictures taking next week while she was here for Thanksgiving. I am not sure my hair will make it that long we will see. Someone likes me in hats. I have to say I like the hats they make life alot easier to get ready for the day. Also another bonus I am not having to shave as often and soon I wont have to shave my legs at all.

It's Me with an update!

2009-11-02T18:01:00.000-08:00

Hello again it's me. Lots of updating this week. It's long again if you don't want to hear all the details. I will give you the short of it. I have cancer 5-6cm by 5-6cm on each of my overis. I also have cancer in the lymphnods in my stomach. Which I will tell you now. Yes it looks like I am pregnant just barely but yes it does look like it. Please don't ask me or anyone else if I am pregnant. I am not!!!! I am sure the doctor said it is just the trumors and I am retaining fluids. I will do 6 rounds of chemo one every third week. O.k. only read on for the long version.

We had a nice break of testing and seeing doctors. Thursday was the biopsy and that was it for Thursday. Friday we checked out all the places Ryan use to leave and where his friends use to leave. He lived there for about a year and half sometime after his mission. We also tried to visit a place our friends told us about but there isn't anything there anymore. My mom's brother and his family live down here and we got to have dinner there on Friday night. My uncle, grandpa and Ryan were able to give me a blessing. That was very special.

Saturday we spent the day with Ryan's friend Rusten Treseder. We watched his sons play flag football. They don't do a lot of the full pads down here because of the heat and wearing the gear doesn't work very while. Then we hang out and watched his kids trick or treat. It helped us not miss the kids so much. O.k. who am I kidding we still missed them and probable more, because we couldn't see them and help them get ready. They did have a great time trick or treating who doesn't. Cole was a vampire, Kamden was a kitty and Carter was power rangers. Just a side note Carter has never seen the show power rangers. Last November when we went to Disney World he meet some of them and his cousin loves them so now he loves power rangers. It's funny how kids pick up things from there family and friends.

Sunday we drove to Sedona. Wow that place is beautiful. I know H.F. loves us so much to give us such a beautiful place. It looks like the pictures but it is 100 times better in person. Just my oppion. Then we helped my Aunt with having family dinners on Sundays. It might not last they are probably moving soon. So we stayed busy to help us not be so homesick for our kids.

Today we have kept busy we started at 8 this morning and finished tonight at 6:30. We got the great news we could come home tomorrow. I saw some docs, did blood work, had an echo done and started my first round of chemo.

I will do 6 rounds of chemo and then they will do another PET to make sure I don't need more chemo. He opted not to do surgery because of the meds I am on for the blood clots and for the same reason they didn't take off my boobs. It can come back anywhere. And it did. Oh, I have had a few people ask so here it is. I can't do treatment in town and it really is less convenint in Seattle for me. I fly out of Pasco into pheonix. The have a service that picks you up and take you back to the facility or wherever you would like to go. And I stay the night right in the facility. Which is great I will probably be tired and of course I can't drive after chemo.

The chemo I am on is Carboplatin, Taxotere(simiarly to one I was on Abraxane) and Herceptin still. So it takes about 4 1/2 hours if they are good about changeing everything over quick. So I will come every three weeks and take these IV meds see my docs(all 5 of them and a few more nurses)I will then get treatment(chemo) stay the night and come home after I receive a shot the following day. I should be done with treatment in the middle of Feb if everything goes well. That works so perfect because baseball sign-ups are in Feb and baseball starts in March. I couldn't have timed it better.

I know to long.

Update from Pheonix

2009-10-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

So we are still here in Phoenix. My mom is always pushing me to update. I will give the quick update and for those that want more information can continue reading on for the longer version. On Tuesday I was told I have blood clots. On Wednesday we were told by the oncologist that I have a cancerous tumor on my ovaries. O.k. that is the short of it.

I will now give you a little more information for those of you who want the details. We flew to Phoenix on Sunday and we were picked up in a limo and escort to a room like a hotel room inside the Cancer Treatment Center.

Monday Morning we had visits with all of my nurses and some of the doctors. They also did a blood draw on Mon. That was pretty much it we were busy with appointment from 10 to 4pm on Monday.

Tuesday I had a PET scan and an CAT scan of my body. That was it for appointments on Tuesday. We were just about to leave the facility when one of the nurses called our room and said they needed to admit me right away into inpatient. So we went down to the second floor and I was admitted into inpatient. I still didn't really know what was going on. Finally one of the nurse told us I was there because of a blood clot. They wanted to monitor me and teach me how to give myself injections for the blood clots. We were also told I have a mass, a tumor, something on my ovaries. No one would really tell us about what this was all about. We were taught how to give the shot or injection and told that I would have to do those everyday for 6 months. I was released the next afternoon.

On Wednesday after noon we meet with the nurse and then the oncologist. He informed us that my CA2729 was just above 700 and that I have cancer on my ovaries. He scheduled a blood draw for the CA (blood count#) for ovarian cancer. He also scheduled a biopsy for the next day.

Thursday I had a CAT scan guided pelvic biopsy. They didn't put me out and I made it through. Yeah!

Now we are waiting for the results of the biopsy so the Doc and us can decide on a treatment plan. We will see the doctor on Monday hopefully with the result from the biopsy and a treatment plan.

So we are here in Goodyear, AZ missing our kids but grateful they have very kind people taking care of them. Thank you so much to those that are helping take care of them. We miss them alot. This is our first time away from our kids over night. We are also very thankful to know where the cancer is and to be able to treat it. Remember Heavenly Father never gives us more than we can handle. I know I would not trade me life for anyone else.

I will update again when we know more.

More Great News!

2009-10-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

So I had a bone scan last week and I got the results last firday they found nothing. So that is great news.

We have decided to get a second oppion which in around about way is taking us to Phoenix, AZ. Phoenix you ask why Phoenix? Well we wanted to get a second oppion so we got a suggestion from one of my chemo nurses and she suggested Seattle Cancer Center Alliance in Seattle. She also made two suggestion of doctors to see. I called and the one name I could remember was not seeing new patients. So they asked me to look at the list of about 20 other names and get back to them on two names and they would see what they could do.

In the mean time I saw Dr. Kris who recomended Cancer Center of America, because they do more taking care of the whole body. Which I thought sounded better. So I called them. They have a facility in Seattle but I guess they only see out paitents and don't diagnoise there. So they asked if I could come to Phoenix and they would pay for the flight for Ryan and I and the room for the first visit. We decided to go to get a second oppion. They will pay for Ryan to come with me the first time. After that they just pay for a flight for me to come and I would have to pay for food and room. So I would stay with some relatives hopefully that live close. So we will see what they find. I am hoping I can do treatment in Seattle.

I have also made an appointment in Seattle at the Seattle Cancer Center Alliance with Dr. Ellis that was my second choice. I will see her on Monday the 16th.

Oh, and I have to do another sameless plug for the fun run on Novemember 7th at Howard Ammon Park.

Also a really big thanks to those of you helping with the fun run and helping me while we are away.

Fab News!

2009-10-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

Still no one can tell me that I am sick with cancer. Both test came back with nothing. So they will continue to do test but we will wait a while. I will see the doctor again in a month. Until then we will continue with Herceptin and blood work every other week and enjoying life with my family.

I am staying very busy with the my kids and enjoying every minute of it. Thanks for the messages they are very uplifting.

What's UP!!

2009-10-03T11:25:00.001-07:00

O.k. so my mom said I need to blog that she has people asking her how I am all the time. So I thought I would do a little updating. Probably no one is readying anymore but just in case their are a few of you out there I will update you.

I am putting on a 3rd annual Rochelle Schultz Bassett Fun Run to raise money for the Cancer Center's Fund for Thermal Imaging(instead of a mammogram). We are doing it on November 7th. We decided to go back to the originally month of November. Anyway if you look two post down it will give all the information. That is the one they did in April so the date is different but all the other info is the same.

If you don't want to read all the details about what has been going on the last few months I will give a quick update and for those that want to know I little more I will then go into more detail. The quick version. My counts as of Tuesday are 300 normal is 0 -40. I have had lots of scans and testing done they still can't find where it is at but there is cancer somewhere they say.

Now for the more detailed version. My CA2729 counts have been on the raise since November of last year. They were still in the normal range until I think it was March they went a little above. No one was to alarmed because they were low enough I guess. The numbers kept going up about 6 to 8 points every two weeks. Then in Aug they jump 30 points then in Sept they jumped up to 179 and then this last week it is 300.

Along with the numbers I have been sent to do lots of testing through out the summer and even more the last month. I have had 2 MRI's brain, 2 MRI's Spine, MRI Breasts, CAT pelvic and Spine I think that was what the CAT was for, Pap, colonoscopy, endoscopy, breast ultra sound, special blood test, thermal imaging, mammogram (yes that was my fist one).

Then another mammogram for a needle biopsy meaning I sat in the mamo machine well they found the right spot to put a needle in then they took me in to do the biopsy guided by the needle. They ended up cutting me open for the biopsy(I was very shocked when I took the badge off), The dr. that did the biopsy said she that there was cancer in the breast because what she took out was grity and lots of blood. Cancer needs blood. The results on the biopsy were negative no cancer. That was last week.

Went back to Dr.Rado's office last week. They wanted to do more testing because we still can't find the cancer. MRI of the spine and brain. I wont hear back on that until my Doctors appointment on Monday.

The special blood test I took was to see if I was producing cancer fighting antibodies. I got the results back on that this week. My numbers were normal but with further looking into that. They lab in Boston says that is not so good. It means my body isn't fight off the cancer. That is why I don't have an increased cancer antibodies count.

Just to let you know I am feeling great if my body would just follow suit that would be great. I am not sick until someone can tell me I am sick.

I think that is all. I will try to update again on Monday. I wish I was updating that I am still cancer free a little more than a year after my brain tumor.

P.S. Thanks so much for the help with babysitting and the fun run.

Good News

2009-04-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

I got a call back later this afternoon. The scan is clean. Yah!

Two MRI"s, bloodwork and PET scan

2009-04-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

Well it has been awhile. I have had a few people ask why I am not updating. I am not sure why I haven't. Today I thought I would let you know what has been going on lately. I am feeling good. The natural meds I am on for the thyroid seems to be working well. I am not so tired all the time as long as I don't forget to take them.

I can't say I am back to normal. I don't think I will ever be my normal again. So I am trying to adjust to a slower pace of life(enjoying the little things like tickling my kids) and a not so good memory. Life hasn't been so forgiving of the bad memory but I am told the forgetful memory is normal for alot of people. But to go from a memory that could remember all my appointment, kids appointment, activities and Ryan's without a calendar and now having to look at my calendar multiple times a day and still forget activities. For example Cole has piano every Wednesday at 3 and has all year. Yet the last two weeks before spring break at about 3:30 or later I remembered I forgot to take Cole to his lessons. This is a more common occurrence at my house lately. One of the best is Kamden has had dance for at 4 on Monday's and Cole had a game on Monday the week before spring break. I thought I had done so good. I had gotten Cole from school. Made dinner and feed my kids and got Cole's to his baseball game at 4pm. About 1/2 hour later I remembered I forgot to take Kamden to dance. Which remember we have had every Monday since school has started. O.k. I am sure you get the picture.

I can't remember if I post this or not. So I will do it and hopefully I am not repeating myself. My hip had been aching and so Dr. Rado's office ordered an MRI of my hips and also one of my head. Just checking things out. The results on the brain was a clean scan. The scan on the hips found early avascular necrosis on the left(11x20mm) and right femoral head(small than the left side). For those of you like me what is that. Very basic terms it means the blood vessel that comes up through the hip bone socket is dead. Which is causing the bone to dye. This disease comes from steroid use. The doctor doesn't think I had enough steroid with treatments to cause this. But we all know I am kind of the 1% when it comes to things.

Over the last two months my CA2729 count has gone up. It was 20 something I think 29 in February and at my last blood work it was 49(last Tuesday). As Dr.Kris pointed out it is almost 50% increase. But also 0-40 is normal. I have also been having some pain in my ribs. So Dr. Rado's office order a PET scan which I had last Thursday. The lady the did the scan said I should have results by Monday. Monday no results, Tuesday no results. Tuesday night Mitra's nurse called the hospital. They said oh we only have one guy reading the scans so he said he would put in on the top and do it first thing this morning so we will see hopefully today we will have the results.

Fun Run

2009-04-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

Just thought some of you might be interested.

2nd Annual Rochelle Schultz Bassett Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, April 11th. This race is a fund raiser for The Tri-City Cancer Center in honor of Rochelle Bassett who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer in 2007. The race will be held at Howard Amon Park with race start at the Lee Blvd. Boat Dock near the round-about. 5 K runners will head north, and the mile runners/walkers will head south. All the money raised will be donated to the Tri-City Cancer Center. Race begins at 9AM.

Cost: $10/individual and $25/family. Donations are welcomed. (Checks to Tri-City Cancer Center or TCCC)

Prizes: Top over all runners, male, and female. Ribbons of age groups both male and female for 5K Runners. All 1 mile finishers (kids) will receive an Easter Egg full of surprises from the Easter Bunny. There will also be drawings for prizes (adults).

Registration: 8-8:45 AM only morning of race

Race Director: Megan 509-266-4420 (home) or 509-845-0772 (cell).

First Five......

2009-02-11T14:03:00.001-08:00

The first FIVE people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!2- What I create will be just for you.3- It'll be done this year. (might be a little while)4- You have no clue what it's going to be.It may be a story. It may be poetry, shoes, bags, or a little invention of my own! I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. Believe me... it may blow your mind!The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!Sounds like fun, right? So, let's play!

Great News!

2009-01-14T17:11:00.000-08:00

O.k. I put something in the last post I didn't mean to post on this blog. I was a little worked up and it went on a family blog. I forgot to edit it out. The part about suing the hospital or the reader's of the images. Again sorry that was in there.

I had a doctor's appointment with Dr. Rado today. I was a little weird but we made it through. He thinks that the scan didn't look bad but that we need to keep a careful watch. So I will continue to get blood work once a month and scans every couple of months. I asked if we were going to keep up the three month visits. He said two months he thinks for now.

He gave me standing orders for Blood work and Herceptin every other week. Zometa once a month. He also gave me orders for an echo (heart test), MRI for my head and MRI for my hip and pelvis. I have been having some pain in my hip area so we are just going to check it out.

I am not sure if I put it in the last post but I am doing really well. I feel better than I have for a while. I expect to continue to increase my energy and stregth as time goes on. Thanks for all the words of encouragement. It is nice to have such good friends. Thank you!

CAT SCAN

2009-01-12T13:50:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago I had a CAT scan. I don't think I am going to do the CAT scan again. I have done it three times and each time I do it the side effects get worse. This time I was throwing up and also coming out the other end (sorry grose I know). Anyway I was then sick the rest of the day. Like in bed not feeling well. So I talked with one of the chemo nurses she says just tell the docs you are allergic to the scan or the drink that goes with the scan.

I then had a doctor Kris appointment on Tuesday this week and he went over the results with me. It seems the techs that read my pictures missed a spot on the last PET. I guess this CAT scan they found a spot on my liver. But when they look back at the PET from three months ago I guess they can see the spot there too and just didn't notice then. I was really upset and thought I am going to have to sue them this time. I can't let them do this again. Then Dr. Kris said that the spot hasn't grown in three months so it probly isn't cancer. It is probably just scar tissue or something like that. There are some other question about the results that I need to talk to Dr. Rado about this next week. Thing like there are places not healing and they have found more little spots. Let me go back a little bit the spot they found on my liver is only 3.5mm. The other spots are smaller. 3.5mm is very small so I am not so worried that they are anything.

This week when I went in for Herceptin I had a blood draw done for my CA count. It came back 31 which is a jump up from 23 in October I can't remember what Novemembers was it was one lower or higher than 23. Anyway it isn't above the 0 - 40 range but I am still a little concerned. They told my numbers go up a down. I just haven't expereince that. I had a brain tumor last time they told me that.

Can't Say Anything NICE Don't Say Anything!

2008-10-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

I typed this up last week and forgot to post. We left out of town last Friday. When I got home today I had a few phone calls saying I hadn't posted in to long.

O.k. so my mother taught me if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all......

I think that has been my problem lately with not updating my blog. I thought last May this trail was over then they found the brain tumor which all went really well until I had radiation. Then it seems like I just couldn't get back to a normal. Every time I turn around with this radiation something else pops up. The last month I have been dealing with being very tired. So tired that I while unloading dishes I have to sit down and take a break. Dr. Rado's office run some test this last month but kept telling me it wasn't my thyroid or my pituitary gland. Which all my system fit with that diagnoses. So I became very frustrated. So they decided since they couldn't figure out what was wrong with me they would send me to a endocrinologist. Basically they are a gland doctor. Rado's office doesn't think I have a thyroid problem or a pituitary problem but they think something is wrong. So they called over to Dr. Wilson one of the two endocrinologist in the tri-cities. They said it was urgent. So I got an appointment for Dec 2 that is when you get an appointment when it is urgent. NICE!!! So basically they are tell me there is something really wrong but it can wait a month and a half. So you can just have absolutely no energy for the next month and a half. Then who knows how long to get you better after that. So if you can't tell I am not very happy with the doctors. Luckily I see Dr. Kris who is my life savor. He said you have a theiord and a pituitary problem. And he put me on some vitiams last Friday. Since then I have been getting better. Thank goodness for Dr. Kris or I would still be laying in bed for our family vacation. I have been in a panic because we leave today for Disney World and I thought I might not make it. I am still not 100% but I am feeling well enough to go.

I am also waiting for CAT scan results from Dr. Fewel. He is my neurologist (brain tumor doc). About two weeks ago it felt like my scull is starting to cave in. I have been having some head symptoms. So I am hoping that there is something they can do to help my headaches and dizziness.

So I am really feeling bad for my kids we keep telling them I am not sick anymore which I am not but them I am always laying on the couch not feeling well. So I am hoping soon my kids will be able to believe me that I am not sick anymore.

So you see if you can't say anything nice you shouldn't say anything at all.

Tagged!

2008-09-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by my sister Bailey. The rule is to go into you 4th file folder the 4th picture and posted it. So I did. Memories of boating. I definitely didn't get enough boating in this year. I tag Kim Hatch, Mandy Rassumessen (sorry if I butchered you last name), Ashlynn Lewis, Karen Johnson, Cherie Jenkins.

LotS gOING On!

2008-09-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

O.k. I have been told by my mom that I need to update. She asked if it have been like 6 weeks. I said it hasn't been that long. Anyway long enough I guess. So I last left you I was getting a PET scan to see if I had any cancer. The PET scan came back clean. No cancer. So you would think I would be so excited and want to post that wonderful news. Well I was not really wanted to post that because I didn't feel good about those results. Not that I think I have cancer but last time we got good news it was rudely interrupted by a brain tumor. I have been having lots of symptoms still and I wanted some of those things answered.

I had an appointment with Mitra last week. Some of my symptoms I am still having are headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, raspy voice (not at the moment), loss of appetite mainly sugary foods, tiredness, back aches. Anyway when I went in I wanted to know why I am still having all these symptoms. The raspy voice she wants to wait until I have it again. Which I am not excited about but I guess it will have to wait. She also wants my to do occupational therapy. Which is therapy to work my brain. Know they tell me all the bad things radiation can do. So I was suppose to do that this week but it got bumped and I will explain why later. And she also prescribed my a depression medicine. Ryan and I have noticed since the brain tumor was taken out I am a little more blue. Anyway Mitra said that was it for now. They I got a phone call from her the next day saying Dr. Rado wanted to do a spinal tap.

So last Friday I went in for a spinal tap. The spinal tap wasn't painful but the medication for pain was a little painful. Over all the spinal tap went well. I left the Dr. office with a small headache. We went to dinner and I was having a slight headaches but not to bad. By Saturday the headache was really bad. I tried to push through it and do some canning. I went out to the store to look for ring and jars and ended up coming back home. On the way home I had to pull over to throw up a few times. So Saturday and Sunday and Monday I was lying in bed and not moving much. The was the only thing that relieved the pain. Sorry Daniel I have to say thank you, thank you so much for canning my fruit for me and to your family for canning my fruit. That was a massive job and I still don't know how to can. But a big thanks to you and your family. So talked to Dr. Weeks on Saturday who told me what I was feeling was normal. Then when I talked to Dr. Rado's office on Monday they said it wasn't normal. They booked me a bed at Kadlec and I went in thinking they we just going to hydrate me. But before I left I had a blood patch done. I was feeling I thought better and still had some symptoms. I went home Tuesday night. I took it easy on Wednesday. A kind friend kept my kids so I could rest. So on Thursday it was back to a normal routine. Thursdays I do a lot of driving. I made it through most of the morning. Then I wasn't feeling great from all the driving around and throw up again. I was spouse to be at the hospital for my Herceptin but I wasn't going to be able to drive there. So my father in law took my over to my appointment. Dr. said he wanted to order an MRI contrasted and none contrasted. I was so excited no blood patch. Then he called back 1/2 hour later and said he wanted to do another blood patch. So yesterday I had another blood patch. I immediately felt so much better.

The doctor that did the patch explained that the fluid creates a space for you head to float above your spin. Because the fluid was leaking my head was resting on my spin. That is why I had all the symptoms I was having, nausea, massive headaches, back pain, not able to turn my head or eyes to the left.

So today I am feeling so much better. They said the spinal tap everything was normal so I we are back to where we started. I wasn't able to go see Dr. Kris this week and had to cancel because of the way I was feeling this week. So maybe better news to come in the coming weeks.

For now I am so excited to be feeling more normal!!!!

Waiting?

2008-09-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well a few things have happened lately that I decided I would share. First it has been awhile since I have updated because I have been so tired. I just haven't had extra time to update. Am I getting my energy back is the biggest question I have been asked lately and the answer is no not yet. I keep hoping soon. My mom said to me you look good you don't look tired. I told her it is because I don't have time to be tired. I have children.

My back went out again really bad during radiation treatment. I had Dr. Kenzie, she is in with Dr. Kris, fix me up. A few days later my back was better. About the same time as my back went out I was still having a raspy voice and I had gotten back my CA2729 counts. The count was 44 I think. I stopped by doctor Rado's office and asked what they thought and if there was something we could do. So Mitra told me she would send orders over to have a PET scan. She didn't think they would approve one becasue I had just had one but that she would try and if not than a CAT scan.

Since then I have scheduled a PET scan for Sept 9th which is tomorrow. I have been having back aching like when I was first diagnoised, I am still tried all the time and my raspy voice is back again. I went and saw Dr. Kris last week. He looked to see if my back was out again and it wasn't. So he checked me and we think I have something again is what he said. He wouldn't come out and say cancer again. But I have been feeling that way for a little bit now. So we will see what the PET scan tells us. I do the scan tomorrow and the results usually take three days. I have a Dr.'s appointment Wednesday so I am hoping they stay on top of the results and not wait a month to get back to me.

So right now is another waiting game.

Back to a routine!

2008-09-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

This will be a little about everything. We had a great rest of the summer. We finally got to do some camping. We were worried we wouldn't be able to but we went to Mt. Rainer and Mt. St. Helen's. The kids really had a good time camping, hiking and playing together. We also were able to make it to my families Reunion this year in Seattle. We did more hiking, floating down the river (luckily with no one getting hurt), eating, talent show and lots of visiting and playing. Thanks Aunt Christy, Uncle Steven and Aunt Lynn for all your work it was so much fun. We also went to the fair which we all love to do. We didn't make it to the water parks or Silverwood this year but we did do a little bit of boating together which we love. We didn't do as much this year as we usually do so hopefully we can make it through winter until we can go out again.

We have been very busy at our house with getting ready for school to start and now I am sure like the rest of you very busy with running kids every different direction. Both Cole and Kamden are so excited to be back in school they missed there friends. They loved summer vacation but really were ready to see all their friends. I was sad to see them go back but happy for the routine we are back into. Carter thinks he is so big now being in preschool. He just doesn't understand why he doesn't get to go everyday like the other two kids. I always think things are going to get a little less busy when school starts but it seems to just get busier. Between school, preschool picking up dropping off, piano, scouts, soccer, dance, doctors appointment, treatments, blood work, test, birthdays, health insurance and all the other house hold things life it very busy. I am stilling saying and will continue to say I don't know how working mom's do it all. I am thankful to those who were so kind to help me out and bring some meals in during this time. It really help lighten my load.

Appointment with MITRA

2008-09-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

I had a dr.'s appointment with Mitra on Augustt 13th. When Mitra came into the room she was a little heisatant. She wasn't sure if I was going to bit her head off and never want to see her again. She was worried I was really mad that they didn't catch the brain tumor. I told her I didn't feel like we would be in a different place if they had caught it any sooner. She was glad I was o.k. with things.

I had a lot of question for her mainly about why they didn't catch the tumor. She said because usually you have symtoms which I didn't but they didn't think they were that bad. I have learned in the last few weeks I need to be better about tell the doctors and nurses about all my aches and pains so that they can better treat me. I just have felt like I was complain and so if they are not bad I don't tend to say anything. I have learned you have to tell everything no matter how small the ache or pain.

We also talked about my scratch or raspy throat that I had for the fourth time since I started chemo and the fact that this time it had been about four weeks(last 6weeks). I was hoping it was still thrush and that I just needed more antibotics. She was thinking it was acid reflux. So she put me on some antibotics and an acid reflux medicine. I was to take them and hopefully my throat would get better. It didnt' so the next step was to be a scoop down my throat but we opted for something else which I will go into latter.

I wanted to know when my next scan was going to be. I felt like it was time for another one. She said with radiation we need to wait for one month after treatment. The radiation can cause swelling and it wouldn't give us a good read on my head. I wasn't concern with the head just the rest of my body. My counts were going up and I wanted to check. She said we could wait it would be alright until we could do the head too. I wasn't very happy but that I could wait it out.

I was and am having edema. So I asked about that. She said it could still be from the steriods but that she would give me paper work for a echocadiogram (sp) again. She said she would also like to check to make sure it wasn't my heart from the herceptin I am getting.

So I left the appointment with a prescription for an anitbotic, an acid reflux, and orders for an echo and chest x-ray and an echo. So lots to do before my next appointment.

I had both the x-ray and the echo done the next day. I haven't gotten the results back from those but I am guess they are all good or I would have heard something.

Mask

2008-09-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post this with the last post. This is the mask that they would put on me and snap it down to the bed for radiation treatment.

Roller coaster ride of rADiaTIon!

2008-09-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

Oh, I have this problem when I don't update me family blog often enough I can't remember everything that has happened plus my memory is getting worse ever day or so it feels like it.

I made it through radiation. That really wiped me out. I needed to take naps everyday for a couple of hours which really cuts into the day. I would get up go to radiation take the kids to do a few things come home for lunch and then it is time for a nap. By the time I get up it is dinner time and then time for bed again. If I didn't take a nap it would make me more nauseate then I already was. So it came down to take a nap everyday to help to feel better.

I had some interesting experiences while I went to radiation treatment. Some really nice experiences and some that I would have rather not to have had. I would like to share a few. There were some really nice older ladies that volunteered there that were very kind and helped put a smile on my face. I also really enjoyed one of the nurses there. She was very helpful and answered alot of my questions and concerns while I was getting radiation. I had met her before when I was first diagnosed so it also helped to see a friendly face. Another nice experience was one of the techs was always very friendly and talkative which I loved. He was also kind enough to show my kids where I get treatment and what all the equipment looked like. I know the kids loved that. So it was nice to have some good moments with something I didn't enjoy.

Then there were some not so fun experiences the one that tops my list I have to share. I will give you a little back ground first. When I would go in for radiation treatments it would take two minutes from the time I would go back into the room and then come back out. I would not have to undress so it was a very quick in and out appointment. So instead of finding someone to watch my kids every day for a two minute appointment. (There were lots of offers thank you!) I took the kids with me.

There are three waiting areas. One is by the front doors which has kids toys but the radiation techs can't see me from there. Then there is the middle waiting area which is were the nurse told me to wait when I have kids with me or my husband. Then there is the back waiting room where all the radiation patents wait to have radiation. Which I guess they don't want anyone other than the patients and volunteers in. I am sure it is because most of the women have to wear gowns on the top half.

I was taking the kids with me and we were waiting in the middle waiting area where the tech would know I was there. We would wait there maybe 3 to 5 minutes some days not even that long before they would take me back. Then the kids would go over to the front waiting room and play with the toys for the 2 minutes I was being treated.

Well one day after a week and a half of treatments the front desk lady came over to me and informed me that I was no longer aloud to sit there. She said I needed to sit out by the front door. Her reason was because of the patient and they receptions answering couldn't hear on the phone. I was so shocked I told oh o.k. So we walked out to the front doors and sat in that waiting areas that day and it took the tech about 20 minutes to come get me because they didn't know I was there. They asked me why I wasn't sitting in the other area? I told them we were told we were not suppose to sit in the other waiting area. They were a little confused as to why I wasn't suppose to sit there. So as I started to think about it I was a little more upset. Radiation patient don't have a lowered white blood cell count so my kids are going to get them sick. And we weren't in the same room with the patients? Then the whole phone thing give me a break the kids were not noise for the whole maybe 3 to 5 minutes we sat there. And forgive me how in the heck do receptionist do it in peds offices? And what am I not a patient. I think that I am a patient. I am sorry if most all patients are 60 to 80 years old. But there are some of us that are young and still have kids. Lets not forget we all had kids once. An office doesn't have to be died quite. And give me a break if one of the old people complained.....well guess what I had to sit in there on the other day and listen to all those old people complain about everything under the sun. Forgive me I didn't go complain when I had to listen to all of them complain about there treatment, doctors, life and how miserable they all are. O.k. that is the one thing that made that experience not so fun. Sorry to complain but I just had to put it out there how much that really upset me.

I know I shouldn't leave this on a bad note so remember I said I also had some great experiences also.

What your geuss?

2008-08-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

O.k. so when I went and meet with the radiation Dr. he said I would lose my hair in the first week. Then I talked to one of the nurses she said 4-6 weeks, then I talked to another nurse and she said 3-4 weeks. So I want to know your guess how long before my hair starts falling out?

Getting through treatment

2008-08-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

I had an appointment with Mitra yesterday. We went over a few things. I have another bladder infection. Dr. Rado said no bladder infectino and Mitra said yes you have a bladder infection. Good thing someone is paying attention! So I am on some antibiotics which we are also hoping will help my raspy voice. This is the fourth time I have had a raspy voice and I have had it since the surgery or close to it. So I am on the antibiotic, she is also having me take a reflex med and I will also be having a chest x-ray. If one of those three things don't rule or let us know what is going on she will have a doctor do a scope to check out my throat. I am hoping the antibiotic works and that it is just still thrush.

We talked about my next scan. She said I can't have a scan done until one month after radiation. The radiation makes everything swell up. I asked if that would be o.k. to wait that long to do a scan on ever thing else. She said I would be o.k. Of course I am a little concerned. They still don't have my CA2729 results in from blood work on Tuesday. That is the main way we are watching the cancer to make sure it isn't growing and spreading.

I have had some edema. So Mitra is having another echo done. That is a test on my heart. To make sure that my heart isn't having any problems then we will look at something else if it isn't the heart that is causing the edema. So Mitra is going to keep me busy in between visits. I have meds to take and an x-ray, echo and still doing my iv meds.

So it was a good and informative visit.

Today I had my Herceptin treatment. Everything went well. I just can't seem to shake this tired feeling and always needing a nap from the radiation. Thanks Kendall for watching the kids during treatment and then for another few hours while I slept on the couch.

I am still having nausea. Mitra said not to wait until I get nauseated but to just take the meds every 6 hours. She thinks if I do a better job of resting I wont throw up. Which the last two days I have done a lot of extra sleeping or naps. I haven't thrown up but I still get a little nauseated late in the night but not bad.

Well I have 4 radiation treatments done and 11 more to go not bad. I have meet a few patients that have 42 visits. I am thankful for my 15 visits or treatments.

I love the techs at the Cancer Center they are so awesome.

Radiation has StARteD!

2008-08-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't updated lately because we have been on vacation. We left last Wednesday and camped and hiked at Mt. Rainer and then headed over to Mt. St. Helen's on Thursday to Friday. After we were done at Mt. St. Helen's we head to a Family Reunion. We had a great time. Even Ryan had a good time. It was my family reunion so I was happy that he had a good time. And what kid doesn't have fun with cousin even ones he has never met. We were then lucky enough to have one of my cousin stop and stay the night with us on there way home.

Monday I started Radiation. That has been a whole new experience. The first day I was a little late and very worried about it and then I found out the office was running over an hour late. Monday's are the days you have to see the doctor before you receive radiation. On Monday there was only one doctor in the office so they were a little behind. It was kinda of fun to wait and see the doctor. There were about 5 old men sitting in the waiting room chatting and they were so funny. The visit with the doctor was very short.

I am not sure why I had to meet with the doctor since I hadn't had radiation at that point. Then when I finally got to go in and do the radiation wow. They turned on the beams, lasers what ever they call them to give me the radiation and boy could I smell something. I couldn't put my finger on it. So the next day I asked the tech. He said oh, ya there are a few of you who have sensitive noses that can smell a sulfur smell. I was glad to put my finger on the small I was thinking burning flesh. Sulfur much better thought than burning flesh. The whole treatment from the time I walked into the radiation room until I walked out took minute and a half. So fast! Not what I was expecting at all. The techs are very nice and friendly which is so nice.

About 10 minutes after the treatment I had a slight headache. Then after a few hours of errands with the family I had to have them drop me off at home to get some rest. I was able to get in a four hour nap. I seems to just hit me. Then after the nap I felt great.

Tuesday I had another radiation treatment. There was no one in the waiting room but the tech waiting for me. I was about 5 minutes late. I forgot I had to go have blood work done at the hospital at 9 and my radiation was at 9:20. I thought I was doing so good and was going to be to radiation early. I hate being late. Anyway I was late again. So I walked right in and right back and it took a minute and a half. I know I already said that it is just so amazing.

Anyway I didn't seem to get a headache or need a nap on Tuesday. I am not sure if it was because I was so busy and Ryan wasn't home so I wasn't relax and felt I could take a nap. But I didn't seem to be tired so that was good. Most of the day my stomach was a little off. Not enough to make me sick but just off. I woke up this morning about 1:30 and throw up. I am not sure if it was the radiation, I have a bug (my mom throw up on Sunday on our trip I could have caught something on vacation), or just something I ate? I guess we will see how today goes.

Today I have radiation and an appointment with Dr. Rado's office, I think it is Mitra today. I guess that would make sense, since I have so many questions. I always seem to see here when I have a lot of question and see Dr. Rado when I have no questions. Then tomorrow I have radiation and Chemo well not chemo but Herceptin. IV drug I get at the hospital every other week.

Growing up Texans: Six and a half inches

2008-08-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

Oh that was what I was going to say you should donate it and I love it. It is still long and you will be able to do lots of cute hair do's.

Pictures from the hospital!

2008-07-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of where the doctor signed my head.

This is me finally able to eat. I was asking for Sonic right after I woke up. They would only let me eat liquids right after the surgery. So I had 7 up and ice chips then I order Popsicles, broth and an Italian ice this was all in the first hour after surgery. I was able to keep that down and then able to order real food.

This is a picture of mom and dad with me right after surgery. I didn't open my eyes for the first little bit I was afraid I would be sick.

This is a picture of my mom and my mother in law waiting during surgery.

This is a picture just after we got there. This is the nurse that prepared me to go up stairs for surgery. She couldn't get an IV started. They say it is harder after chemo. It was hard for nurses even before chemo. The last couple of times they get it in the blood starts to flow and then just stops. So when I went up stairs the anasteseologist( I am not a good spell and no suggestion come up for this) started an IV in my jugular. They told Ryan that he needed to leave that he shouldn't watch so I didn't see him after he left before I went in for surgery. Doctor Fewel came in while she was working on the IV in my neck and he left right away. She had to stitch the tube down to my neck. That was a different experience not painful just very different.

Getting ready for rAdiATioN

2008-07-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Today I had my appointment to get me all set up for radiation. They took Ryan and I back to a patient room and gave me a consent form to sign asked if I had an questions. Then the nurse brought us back out to the waiting room to wait for one of the techs I think that is what they are called.

I guy came and got me and told Ryan he had to wait. So he took me back and put me on a CT scan bed and put my head in a pillow. They then took this piece of plastic that looked like those pieces of plastic that you loop yarn through when you were a kid to make a picture. Anyway he dipped it in hot water and then put it on my face to make a mold and lock it down to the table so my head wouldn't move. He then took some CT pictures of my brain and I was done.

He asked what time of day works good for my appointments and I was out the door. It was very fast and painless. It was also so different from any other experience with doctors offices then I have had. They are very nice but not a personal experience very cut and dry.

We will be on vacation next week so they agreed to start radiation the Monday after vacation. That means I will be done the Friday of Labor Day weekend.

What did Dr. Kris have to say about Radiation?

2008-07-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

I think on the last post I put that I had an appointment with Dr. Fewel on Thursday it was last Tuesday sorry. I had an appointment with Dr. Kris on Thursday. I was a little nervous. I canceled my radiation appointment on Thursday so I could keep my appointment with Dr. Kris. We wanted to know what he thought about the radiation. We had fasted and prayed about the radiation and we both feel it is the right thing to do. So I was nervous Dr. Kris would say no I don't think you should do radiation. He didn't say that.

Dr. Kris said he thought radiation was a good move. He just had some suggestion on some more vitamins to take with the radiation to help it to work better and to help my cells not get so damaged.

I told him that the radiation Dr. told me I couldn't take some of the meds. Dr. Kris told me he had done some research once I told him I was going to do radiation and that all the meds are safe. So I will be taking them anyway.

Of course my back was a little out so I had an adjustment.

I also talked to him about the thrush and he suggested I get the nystantin(sp) the swish and spit med for my throat.

StAples aRE gONe!

2008-07-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

I had an appointment with Dr. Fewel last Thursday it went well. He took out the staples. I had a few people saw or ask if it was going to hurt. It didn't I thought it might. But my head on the side were they cut I can't feel anything. So I knew I wouldn't feel those staples but on my neck I thought it might hurt but it didn't.

He talked to me about the fact that he would like me to have a scan again soon if neither Doctor runs one. So he wants me back in after I am done with radiation. We talked about radiation a little bit and some of the side affects. It was a short visit.

He said everything went well. I fortgot to ask him if I could drive again. He didn't mention it so I guess it wasn't that big of a deal if I drove before the two weeks since I wasn't on the pain meds. I also forgot to ask for the pictures and the piece of the tumor that he got from the surgery. I guess I will see him again in a few weeks. I hope I can remember.

RaDiatioN TrEAtmenT

2008-07-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

So Friday I had an appointment with the Radiation Doctor. I forget his name. I really liked him. He was the most personable doctor I have had yet. He also was very throe and very informative. He did a full body exam. He went over all the possible side affects. He then went over what would happen. So if I choose to do radiation the possible side affects are fatigue, nausea (which they will prescribe meds for), skin burn(which I can use Aloe lotions), stuffy head(which they can prescribe something may also have to have tubes), hair lose after the first week of treatment(peach fuzz after treatment, then no hair for 6 months, then possible no hair grow except for Mohawk hair growth) I think those are the only immediate side affects. I asked long term and I didn't really get an answer. The only one that bothers me is the possible permanent hair loss. Knowing that eventually my hair will come back is comforting and makes it not hard for me to lose it. I am not so sure about the possibility of it never coming back for coming in thin that is a little harder to swallow.

We found out that you don't grow new brain cells you receive all your brain cells by the time you are two. Which in this case is good. The radiation only attacks the cells that split and grow. Which is the cancer and hair, skin things like that. So no brain damage just killing hair follicles, skin cells and the cancer.

We also found out that treatment will be 15 visits or three weeks. Which I think is great news. I was thinking 6 weeks. All the breast cancer patients I know are doing or have done six weeks. He said brain cancer is different. Even though it was breast cancer in the brain still brain so different. The appointments are about 20 minutes and a little longer on Mondays I have to see the doctor on Mondays before appointments.

I also had someone ask what is radiation. For me basically it is laser lights that are pointed at the area of treatment.

Also having radiation decreases my risk of the cancer returning by 50%. So I would go from %60 that it will return to my brain to %10 if treated with radiation.

I have heard not good things about radiation and was a little unsure if it was the right thing for me. So Ryan and I fasted yesterday to make sure that radiation is a good treatment for me. We feel that it will be o.k. to do the radiation. So I am scheduled for another radiation appointment to be measured and marked up or tattooed on Thursday. So I will let you know how that goes. I then should start treatment that following Monday or Tuesday. It depends on if they can get everything ready and set up how quick I will go in.

I still have the thrush it doesn't feel as bad and I am still taking the meds. It is a pill I will take for 10 days.

I also have an appointment with Dr. Fewle tomorrow so I will try to be better and post about that tomorrow.

I am feeling so good. I feel like I have most of my energy back if not all of it. I think the kids do a great job of keeping me busy and preoccupied which I think really helps.

nOthiG tAste riGhT

2008-07-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

I went to the Hospital yesterday to receive my Herceptin treatment. I have decided that I need to be better about telling them symptoms I have and letting them decided which ones are important and which ones aren't. Instead of saying nothing and think in time they will pass. I was telling the nurse that my taste has changed but that the last few days more like certin things burn my tongue. So when I eat nothing tastes right. So you would think since nothing taste right that I wouldn't be eating anything but that is not the case I can't seem to put enough food in my mouth trying to figure out why nothing taste right. So I thought now they know about my taste then I told them my voice is horse again. This is the 4th time since chemo. I had told Dr. Rado and he said we will just watch it and see. The nurse said oh maybe they touch that part of your brain and the taste will come back. Then she asked to look in my mouth and asked if I had sores. I was like I don't know never thought to look in there and see if something was wrong. She said you have sores in your mouth. The other nurse came in and said I think you have thrush in your throat and mouth. Probably for a while. So know that I have made this a long story I have thrush. So they gave me a prescription yesterday and hopefully in the next few days things will start to taste good again.

Our adventure on the BUS

2008-07-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well again I relized it has been awhile since I have posted. With this surgery they wont let me drive until I see the doctor again next Tuesday. I thought that was going to be a really big challenge but it has been an adventure. The kids and I have been enjoying the bus system. We rode the bus to have some blood work done for an appointment I had with Dr. Rado and then we rode it again on Wednesday to the free movies. The kids like it is such a great adventure and I have found the bus works well to get around.

We are a baseball, softball loving family and Cole has been done for a while. Ryan or I usually like to play but things have been a little crazy this year. Ryan got asked to play this week so the kids and I really excited to head over to the ball fields on Tuesday. While we were there Carter was stung by a wasp and so was Bradly a friend. Anyway he cried and cried I felt so bad I have never had a child stung before.

Head Pictures

2008-07-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

So my sister Bailey is here and we took some pictures with her new camera of my growing hair. She couldn't believe how long it has gotten sinice she has been here. To me it doesn't seem to be growing very fast. Anyway she said I haven't taken a good picture of it so here that it.

I hope this doesn't gross anyone out. I think it is kinda cool I guess that is having boys right. Anyway a picture of the staples.

July 10th update

2008-07-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to do a quick update. I came home yesterday. No news today. That is my good news. I slept pretty good. I am not having any pain so I haven't had any pain medicine since Tuesday night. They sent me home with some but I haven't needed any. They also sent me home with steroids to tapper off of. I really don't like them and have been looking forward to being off them. I still have a few more doses but should be done with those by Saturday. The only symptom is a tight neck. With all the stitching and staples it is tight. So I hold my head more still and funny. Mom says I probably need to work on moving it more. Which until today I hadn't even thought about. I was worried when I move my neck it would hurt but it hasn't just tights. So adjusting to that movability. I get a little winded when I get up and move around alot. So hopefully the energy will come back quickly. I am thinking the hardest thing is the no driving for two weeks. I think they do that because of the pain medicine and aren't sure about balance. I have been fine in the balance no problems there. So I see Dr. Fewle on the 22nd and the way it looks like I should be cleared from everything from him. I am no doctor but I feel great.

I just wanted to let you know that I am truly blessed by my Father in Heaven. There are and were so many miracles and blessings that have come from this. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn, and I hope to grow. Also to be able to see so many kind and helpful people. Thank you for your kind words, thoughts, prayers and help. Our family is very grateful for all who have helped and are helping us. We can never repay all the kindness so thank you.

July 9th update!

2008-07-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

I thought i would update a little. There isn't much new going on. They moved me from ICU to I think the 4th floor which is the surgery floor around 11:30 am yesterday. Once I got here I have had lots of nice fun visitors thanks so much. I have had no really pain like the first night. I have been able to be up and around. Ryan and I even went for a walk around the hospital last night. The nurse didn't check on me much so I got some better sleep last night. I was even able to lay more in the bed last night.

Doctor came in this morning and said when ever i was ready to go home I could. So we will see how quick things get pushed through. I wasn't wanting to go home right away but I am ready to be in my own house. I wasn't sure I would be but I am ready.

So I am doing really well.

I can't remember if Ryan posted but I will see Dr.Fewle in 2 weeks we will get more update then. For now no driving and lifting otherwise what ever I am up for I can do. No washing my hair until thursday and he said it will take a few weeks to get all the yellow junk cleaned up. I can't start radiation until I see him Dr. Fewle and as of right now I don't have a Dr. appointment for the radiation but that will be coming with time. Right now I am going to try and rest to recovery faster back to things.

Thanks so much for the comments, visitors and of course the meals. It helps to not have to worry about that so thank you so much.

2008-07-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would do I little update on my evening. I started to have more pain as the night went on so we tried to get that under control last night. I had dinner felt great and then they gave me some morphine for the pain to get it under control. We started out with 1 ml. I guess that is quite low. I felt a little sick but still having pain so the nurse gave me 1 more ml diluted and with in seconds throw up. I guess I have an allergy to morphine. So no morphine for this girl. We tried two different other pain medication. We found a winner it worked so much better it is the Lora tab. I was able to have a bowl of ice cream. The pain was a little more bearable and was able to get a little sleep. I got up this morning and at 5:30 had the CT scan and got that over with. Now I am having some breakfast and will wait for the doctor.

Surgury Update

2008-07-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

We haven't been able to access the Internet. The wireless hasn't been working. So for an update the surgery was successful and no complications. Rochelle is a trooper. When the doctor came out to the waiting room, he told us she did just fine and she was already talking. "not Rochelle" He said that he thinks the tumor is breast cancer and it all came out just fine. He suggests she should do radiation eventually. After a couple of hours in ICU the doctor came in to see how she was doing. He said she is doing so good he thinks she will be able to go home tomorrow. He wants her to have a CT scan tomorrow to make sure everything is OK and there is no bleeding. If that comes back good he thinks he will release her, but she is putting up a fight. She wants to stay for a couple more days so she can have a little mini vacation.

Right off the bat she asked for 7-up and ice. At 3:00 she had some chicken broth and about 6:00pm she was able to eat a meatball sandwich. She is doing good not feeling sick. After surgery the doctor also said she was probably going to feel nausea and might have to throw up. But she has been able to keep everything down.

She is my super hero.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate it.

Update before the hospital!

2008-07-06T23:13:00.000-07:00

So I have been up early enough and had enough time in the mornings to post but Ryan doesn't like listening to the typing at 4:30am. Once things get going in the morning it seems that the last few days have been filled with lots of family and fun. So I thought I would take a few minutes and update.

I had a few different phone calls and questions today that I thought I had written about here on the blog. I am not sure if I haven't or I am just not a good communicator. I ready know I am not a good communicator so I am guess it is more that.

Anyway to let you know yes I am having surgery tomorrow at 7:30 am at Kadlec Hospital with Dr. Fewle. I will be there by 5:45 the surgery can last 1 1/2 to how every long. He said figure on about 3 hours. So Ryan shouldn't know much before 10:30 I am guessing. We are taking a laptop to update new news. We probably wont call everyone not even all family. I could be wrong but Ryan is not much for talking on the phone. So we will try to keep the blog updated. We should know right away if it is the breast cancer. If not it will be a few days before they will know. They will also do a CT scan right away to make sure they got everything. Anyway we should hopefully be updating often on the blog or at least once a day.

I also wanted to say a thank you to all the prayers they mean alot to me. I wish I was more witty and good with words to let you know thanks and how I am doing. But if you know me I am a straight shooter. So to let you know I am doing well not nervous and am very sure things are going to go really well.

Also an update on the toe. Ryan was looking at the blog today and is like your toe doesn't even look bad on the blog. It is much uglier and black in person. It is fine and not a big deal. It does look bad and only hurts when the kids step on it.

O.k. I do want to post a few family pictures and let you know we had such a great weekend with family and friends. I know I already said it but I love holidays or any good reason to spend time with family and friends.

We decided on a pancake breakfast at IHOP and saw a few other friends decided the same thing.

So here we are again out front of IHOP. Can you tell my hair is growing in? The doctor said they aren't going to shave my head just the spot where they cut so I shouldn't have to start over.

We than headed out to Basin City for there parade. The kids love this parade all the candy. Cole rode on a float in the the parade.

This is Cole after the parade. Cole soaked his dad from the float so his dad then after the parade dunked Cole in the water bucket. Cole was not happy I am sure you can tell.

This is Kamden riding a bike with no training wheels for the first time.

This was the next item on the list for Friday. We got a new water slide for summer but the kids just don't enjoy it was much as they have the pool. So we put up a pool. This was Ryan and the boys project while we had a family BBQ. This is everyone pitching in.

Here is Ryan working on his project for the day.

We all had a good time. The pool was put up and kids enjoyed the slide and the adults enjoyed lots of food and homemade ice cream along with cards.

Here is a picture of my sister Jillian. The baby!

Here is my sister Kendall number 4 and Kim number 2.

We spent all Saturday from sun up to sun down with family and friends doing what we love the most lately boating!

We had a great last day of vacation. Sunday is a favorite day at our house more family time. I was up early and even made waffles. I haven't done that since moving to the new 9am time change. To early for me to get up and do waffles and get the kids ready for church. Of course on steriods I have more up time and more energy. So the kids were so excited I like to make waffles on Saturdays and Sundays when we are home. Anyway we went to church and then home for Family Home Evening. We had a lesson on the 4th of July and why we celbrate the fourth. We then made our own flags and we had our own wars. We enjoyed building towers, thumb wars and a gunny sack race. We then ended the day with another BBQ at my parents. We have most Sunday dinners with my family on Sunday's. They were all nice to me and played cards. Ryan and I love to play cards. Most of my family doesn't enjoy it as much.

Funny toe

2008-07-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

O.k. lets see if I can finish one thought well posting today.

So to start I am feeling good today for those that are wondering. I have been busy getting thing put together for the weekend and the next coming weeks. I was able to get the grocery shopping done and the lawn mowed yesterday. And today I was able to get the house cleaned. So it doesn't need to be done for a while. I have to say for those that know me I am getting better about the cleaning. I am not cleaning all the time. Just picking up and doing a little hear and there. Anyway enough of that.

I didn't get to sleep last night until 2:30 or 3am then Ryan was up at 4:30 so I was up soon after to clean. I usually lay in bed and try to go back to sleep but I figured I wasn't sleeping and Ryan was gone so why not get up. I would like to say I think I am anxious but I don't feel anxious or nervous. Just like I can't get ready enough for the weeks to come and my mind doesn't stop running.

So that is probably why there are no compete thoughts on the blog I am running on not much sleep and seems to be bouncing around. Sorry.

O.k. and I had a funny....sad.... crying.... moment last night. It was 8 or 9 last night and I was hungry and went down stairs to get some food. Well on my way down the stairs I fell. I am not sure what happened but I fell. I skinned my elbow and rolled my toe. I think I landed on it on my toe while it was backwards. Anyway I took some pictures. I am not sure you can even tell. Anyway it really hurt and I decided it couldn't have been a better time. I had some Hydrocodone(o.k. I know you already know but I am not a speller) handy and took one and the pain went away but this morning it was sore and very pretty. So it was a moment of what an idiot and really!

Nothing new today

2008-07-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

O.k. so nothing really new don't get to excited about this update. Just wanted to let everyone know I am feel well today the steroids seem to work good as long as I stay on a schedule. As it gets close to time to take them I feel a little pressure but nothing like last Friday. I am also looking forward to the 4th and all the excitement. I love holidays and time to spend with my family. I know we already do most everything together but it is still a great excuse.

I don't know if I already told this story but I wanted to add it in. So bear with me. We were coming home the other day and we could see the Richland golf course. Cole says to me, "Why are all the guys out golfing where are there families"? We then talked about how for our family it is a family thing that we like to do as a family but that most people don't see it that way. He was a little confused because we pretty much only do it as a family. I love that he thinks we should always be doing things together. I am sure it will change but for now I am thankful he loves to do things with us all.

I also wanted to say at this time I really don't need anything but I well let you know after the surgery. I will probably need help after the surgery with meals. If you are looking to help you can call Nicole and let her know you can bring in a meal after the surgery. I think we might starve if I had to leave the cooking up to Ryan. O.k. we wouldn't strave we would just be eating macaroni every night. I am sure the kids wouldn't mind that. The funny thing is I know he can cook he did before we were married. But he now claims he can't and hasn't. I can't complain he is so good at so many other things if he doensn't want to cook that is o.k. in my book.

Dr. Fewel

2008-07-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

I am so tired. I think it is from the relief of finally knowing what is going to happen. I have to say I got so much information today. I will do my best to let you know what the Dr said.

I had a Dr. appointment with Dr. Fewel. We were there at 8:45 but we didn't get in to see him until 9:45 maybe 10am. That is so normal for all or most of our Dr.'s appointments. I am getting use to Dr. time. They never run on time and everything is an emergency. So basically nothing is an emergency I guess. I actually don't mind waiting this way Ryan and I get to visit and talk about the magazines we are looking through. I was starting to miss visiting with him with no more chemo and the fact that it is summer and he is busier.

When Dr. came in he asked about my symptoms and what I have had done and did a little physical exam. Then we headed to his office to look at the MRI pictures. I have to say we talked alot about the pictures. It is really hard to go over all that information with out the photo or images. But I will give you the jest of what we talked about.

The surgery will be in Monday morning. Which I was not very excited about I wanted done now. Then the more I thought about it I know it was the best. This way I can get my house cleaned, groceries bought and spend the 4th with my family. So I am relieved that I can focus on those things for now.

There could be somethings to worry about but as we talked about them he really didn't think there is anything to worry about. Nothing is for sure but he gave me best case and kind of worse case.

So best case I will be in surgery for hour 1/2 to 3 hours but it could be longer. It just depends on what they find. Which we went over all that. Then he said I would be in the hospital 2 or 3 days best case which is what he is counting on. Then if I get sick or something happens in surgery it could be long. I told Ryan that isn't a long enough vacation 2 days. I might have to see if they will let me stay longer. j/k Then I will be no lifting and no driving for at least 2 weeks. Then at his 2 week appointment he will let me know better when I can start to do things.

Were this tumor is it affects my balance and mobility. I think that is better than on the top which would affect memory and other more major things.

He said this is not normal for breast cancer and not normal for just a tumor. He said it doesn't really fit anything that he can pin down. So once they take it out and biopsy it he will know better what we are looking at.

He recommended radiation after the surgery if it is the breast cancer. We will see I am not sure. There are positives and negatives. I am still thinking about that one. Radiation has long term effects when you are talking brain but the risk of the cancer not returning is better if I do the radiation.

Like I said we went over some concerns and some positives that are hard to go into with out pictures. So for know I think that is all I can remember.

We spent the next hour or two at the hospital getting registered and doing blood draws and going over what will be going on in the hospital. I think that is so funny. I am re registered every month but when I go for any MRI, CT or anything else they re register me, refill out paper work. Does that make any sense.

I know I say it all the time but I really feel like I need to say it more often. Thank you for all the well wishes and comments. It is nice to turn on the computer and hear from so many friends old and new. Thank you for your thoughts and the time you take to post. And I know that there are a few of you out there that don't post but read thank you too.

Wide Awake!

2008-07-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

Well I have been up since 5am. Usually I lay in bed and try to go back to sleep and some times do for a little while longer. All I could think about is all the emails I needed to get out. So I have been up since 5am emailing and reading blogs. I know what a great waste of time. But when you can't sleep what better things do I have to do. Oh, I guess I could have been reading or doing something I am sure way more productive. Anyway I think I am a little anxious about what is going to happen this morning. I am sure that is why I am wide awake. While tired but wide awake. Is that possible? I wont be surprised if I come home with just more question and no answers and more of a waiting game. It seems to be that way. You find something out or have something done and then you have to wait. I think that is the hardest part. I think this time it is the hardest part. I want to get moving and get this brain tumor out. So we can go back to all of our fun family summer activities. Sorry for rambling can you tell I am tired. I need to go and start getting the kids ready to go this morning. I am hoping for not such hot weather today. Hot but not overly hot like the yesterday.

O.k. so Cole is up and guess what he just reminded me. Can you ask the doctor to take lots of pictures of your brain. He said that to me last week and I forgot. So this morning he is reminded me to ask the Dr. to take lots of pictures of my brain. I love kids they help you stay happy and normal what ever normal is right.

Oh, I wanted to do a shout out last Friday and just haven't gotten to it. I wanted to do a shout out to Heidi Wilson!!! Can you believe she is done with her 8 rounds or chemo. Wait to go girl you made it. I hope the side effects this last time weren't to bad. Just raidation left we hope. I am hoping for not so many side effects for you.

Waiting for an update!

2008-06-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well I wanted to start by saying thanks to all those who felt like they could leave a message. I love to hear from you all. It is very helpful. So thank you so much. I am feeling great today. The meds are still working.

I have been waiting to hear from someone this morning. I guess the good news is no one seems to be treating it as an emergency. Which must be great news right. The Kadlec Chemo nurse called this morning to see how things were going. It was so sweet of them to call after last week. Then we called Dr. Kris to see what he thinks. I haven't heard back from him. Ryan called Dr. Rado's office they just called back and said that they are only scheduling an appointment with Dr. Fewle. I think that is how you spell it. He is the neurosurgeon. Before Dr. Rado's office called. Dr. Fewles office called and set up an appointment for tomorrow at 8:45. So I guess not big hurry and we will know more tomorrow or we are hoping to know more tomorrow.

I will keep you updated as information comes in. For know things are going well and I really don't need anything at this time.

Good New Bad News

2008-06-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Well some of you have heard the news and some haven't. I wanted to let a few close friends know the news before I posted it on the blog. That is why it has taken a little while to post.

I have Brain Cancer. I was up all night Friday night thinking about what I wanted to say on the blog. I felt like I had come up with all the right things to write but of course I didn't get out of bed and type. I didn't want to wake up Ryan. So I hope I can remember all I really wanted to say. I know I can remember all the details about the last week or so but there are other things I wanted to say. So we will see how this goes.

Last Thursday I went in for my IV drugs Herceptin and Zometa. I have been getting Herceptin along with all the chemo treatments and will continue to get it every two weeks. They said I could have side effects with it but I haven't seemed to have any. I have only had two treatments of the Zometa. The first time I had it I had flu like symptoms and a sore on my lip that hasn't gone away in a month. So when I went in a week ago Thursday it was my second treatment of Zometa. I was hoping for no flu like systems or any new systems. Thursday things went well no side affects. Other than tired from the Benadryl which was normal. By Friday morning I woke up and didn't feel great. The only way I could think to describe it at the time was like I had been hit by a truck. The more I thought about how I felt I could put it in better words. I had nausea, dizzy and like my head was been squeezed. Anyway every morning since last Friday up until this Thursday that is how I felt. It would take a few hours in the morning to get going and shake off those feelings. But once I was up and going I was fine. I thought maybe my neck was out again and that was causing the pain and other systems. So I was really more or less waiting to see Dr. Kris and see what he thought.

So on Thursday Ryan took me down to see Dr. Kris. He gave me the great news that there was nothing in my C5. The MRI scan come back clean. That was great news. I thought that meant I was officially Cancer free. I also told him about the sore on my mouth which he checked out and treated. I would like to say that after a month of that ugly sore it was gone the next day. He said it was from the toxins in my body. I also told him I thought my neck was out. So he adjusted my back that was really out but he said that my neck and head were not really out. I thought that was a little strange because how I had been feeling. But I trust him. So he checked to make sure that my body at this time is able to fight any cancer and it is. He also added a new powder medicine to my daily pill taking. This one will go with the Herceptin I am taking and maybe eventually it will be able to get replace the Herceptin.

After I left the Dr.'s I slept most of the rest of the day. I still am not feeling well thinking my neck was out. Oh, yes Dr. Kris thought that maybe the systems were from the Zometa. On Thursday night all the sudden my head was hurting worse lots of pressure and like my brain was floating in side and waves of pain from the back of my head to the front. I was also dizzy and had nausea. I didn't sleep well on Thursday night. So Friday morning I asked Ryan when he was going to be home to give me a blessing. He said he would be home around 12 we were suppose to go camping. Anyway that is when I decided I needed a blessing. Ryan ended up having to work longer than he thought and after talking to him and a friend. I decided I needed to call the nurses at the hospital and see what they thought. They thought I needed to call the Dr.'s office. So I called and talked with the nurse. She said it is just a migraine and she would order me some pain medicine but that she would also talk to the Dr. and get back to me. So two hours later she said she had called in the pain medicine but that the Dr. also thought I needed to go in for an MRI. She said she would call the orders over. That I should wait a bit and then call over and schedule the appointment. So I called over and they told me they had talked with their supervisor and they didn't have an appointments until next week on Tuesday. I wasn't sure what to say. Then she told me to try calling another hospitals to schedule one. So I got off the phone with her and was going to call the Dr when my sister walked in to take the kids. She hadn't called just showed up and thought I might like some help. That is when the hospital called and said someone didn't show if I wanted to come now I could. Kendall loaded up all the kids and drove me over to the hospital. I thought I was going to be able to go right back. Since they had the orders and told me to come right in. But when I got there they had me fill out a bunch of paper work. I thought that was funny because I am already an out patient there what papers do I need to fill out. Oh, maybe I should say how many more could I fill out. Anyway they finally got me back for the MRI. They did the scan and then had me sit in the room and wait. That was unusual because when I have had them before they send me right home and say the Dr. will let me know the result. They kept coming in and saying they have a call into the doctor so it will be a few minutes. I had them check the waiting room. Ryan had showed up and so they brought him back with me. Then this guy came in with his cell phone and hands it to me. It was Diana she is from Dr. Rado's office she is on call for him he and Mitra are on vacation. Surprise Surprise. Every time I have something wrong or have to go the hospital they are gone. I have decided he is not allowed to take vacation every again. Just kidding. Anyway she was talking to me and tells me what they found but not making much since to me. So I finally said are you telling me I have cancer again in my head. She said yes. I don't think she wanted to tell me. I don't think the hospital wanted to either.

So when I got off the phone with her this Dr. guy asked me if I understood what was wrong and what was going to happen. He took some time to go over everything with us. He was so nice and happy and upbeat just what I needed. I am not dieing nor am I dead. The last thing I need is to be treated that way.

So he said they went back and checked all the MRI's, CT scans and PET scans to see if they could have caught this earlier. He said they couldn't have. There was some white right by where the scans stooped but it just looked like bone. Now that they have a head scan they can tell it is something else but there was no indication from the other scans that would have lead them to think that the little white spot was anything but my bone.

He also went over what he thought they would do. He thinks the surgery should be an easy one. It is in a good location to operate and shouldn't be a difficult surgery. He also said it is encapsulated so it is not spreading, growing but not spreading. That is great news. The fact that it is in a good location is good news. He also said he doesn't recommend radiation for that location because it is to close to the brain. He also doesn't think I will need chemo. So all in all I think it was great news. Of course he is not my doctors so we will have to see what they say.

Diana said Monday morning she will start making phone calls to get me set up with the Dr.'s I needed to see to make some decisions. So at this point I don't know for sure what we are doing or what they are going to do or when I will see any Dr.'s.

Right now they have me on a steroid for the swelling on the brain. They also have me on an antacid for my stomach she said the steroid can be hard on my stomach. They also have me on pain medicine and Kytril for the nausea. She felt it was o.k. to send me home and I would be fine until this next week when I could get in to see some doctors.

So we will see what next week brings.

I want to tell you please don't treat me like I am dead or dieing I am not. I feel good and this is just another trial that I will learn from. I love to visit with people so please feel free to talk to me and ask what ever you feel like. Also I would like you to know I have a life and kids and they keep me busy just like every other mom. I am always up for talking about them and what is going on in our busy life if you don't want to ask or talk about the cancer.

I also want everyone to know how truly blessed I have been in the last couple of days. Well all the time but I have seen and know that my Heavenly Father loves me and is taking good care of me. Most cancer patient don't have any systems and don't find out about their cancer until it is to late. I had systems and they weren't bad enough for me to do anything. I didn't like the pain I was in on Thursday and Friday but I am glad I had it or I wouldn't have called anyone. I am blessed that my sister showed up when she did. Any earlier and I would have sent her away. I was blessed that someone didn't show for there appointment. I was blessed that they found it. I was blessed to have Diana there to say she needs an MRI and not just pain medicine. I was blessed to have a smiling happy man give me the news and go over it with us. He was so good. When we went home I felt and knew my Heavenly Father was taking care of me. I also want you know that I am thankful for my trails and that I can learn and grow and be strengthen through these trails that I have had. I know my Heavenly Father love me so much he has given these to me to help me become a better and stronger and more faithful person.

Sorry it was a long post. I hope it wasn't overly informative. I know that not everyone that reads this is a member of the chuerch but I had to let you know how I feel about what is happening to me.

Still running more test!

2008-06-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

I think I posted that I was going to have an MRI and a echocariogram (SP?). Well I had those on Wednesday. Everyone keeps asking me how the the test went. The test went fine. I don't know the results and probably wont know the results from the test until next Thursday when I see Dr. Kris. My father in law and few others have asked how I could stand the waiting for the results. This time I am not in a hurry. I figured if they were bad they wouldn't have let me leave the hospital or they would have called me into the office. So I am assuming everything is o.k. I am not worried! I thought the test would only take maybe an hour or so it ended up taking almost three. The echo takes 20 and the MRI takes 22 minutes. So why did it take so long. Well I think the answer is I was at the hospital. If you ever have to have a test done try to have it done accross the street. They keep on a schedule over there. In the hospital emergency come first. Which of course they should. I just mean if you don't need it done at the hosptial try to do it across the street it will be faster.

Thursday I had Hercepton and Zometa. This time it only took 2hrs and 40 mintues. That was a little faster than the last time. I never know how long it will take. Some times they are quick and sometimes they are slower. It usually doesn't matter I like visiting with the nurses and getting letters written and what ever else I can find to get done well I am there. Plus I get to order all the food I want that is the best. I was also informed at this visit that the Benydrl I get before the Herceptin and Zometa makes me behave like I am drunk. Sinice I have been taking chemo they have given me Benydrl and I always feel very loopy and tired. Ryan usually goes with me and drives me home. Anyway this time they told me you really need to have someone drive you home. I think they have never said that before because I always go home with Ryan. Since Ryan doesn't go with me any more I think they think I need a driver.

Next week I see Dr. Kris.

I was thinking Yah I am all done then I looked at the calendar and was like oh I still have a lot of appointments. Some day soon it will be Yah no more appointments or at least not as many.

Last weeks Dr.'s visits!

2008-06-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about this post for a while. I have been trying to figure out how to tell all the information I received last week from both of my Doctor visits. I finally decided if I didn't just start typing and say something I wouldn't say anything.

Lets start with some great news. The cancer is gone!!!!! There is a questionable spot on my C5 (a vertebra in my neck) which Mitra thinks is a structural thing not a cancer thing. I have an MRI tomorrow to make sure it isn't a cancer thing. I am sure it is NOTHING! I have felt for some time now that the cancer is gone.

Mitra's point of view: She made it clear that they didn't think that the cancer would ever be gone. But that she was so excited for me to have it gone. There is a very big chance it will be back in the next year and that they are just waiting for that to happen. I was shocked to hear this and this is not what I was thinking or what I wanted to hear. So I was very upset when I left the appointment. As I will go into more detail latter Mitra says they are going to try some things. But that they are going to allow the cancer to come back and then figure out how to treat it. So not to keep it gone but to treat it once it comes back.

Dr. Kris: He is going to do everything he can to keep the cancer from coming back. He believes that is possible. There is always a risk it can come back but he is doing everything to keep it gone.

The first thing we talked about is that the cancer is gone. She is going to have them do an MRI on my C5 to make sure that the questionable spot is not cancer. She also said everything else looks so good. She wasn't happy that Dr. Kris already gave me the results to the PET scan. Oh, well I wasn't going to wait 3 weeks to hear from them.

The second thing she talked to me about was menopause. There was so much information so I will try to do my best to go over what she said briefly. They want to put me on Tamoxifen (I think that is how you spell it). Tamoxifen from what I understands I will still produce estrogen but that it wont go into my body. I will still have a cycle but the estrogen wont be put out into my body. I think this is the jest of it. This is something they are going to wait a year to do. Then do the tamoxifen for a couple of years then take out my ovaries after that. Then something else after that. I was still trying to process all the information. We talked about that the HER2 Neu is 86 percent of my cancer and that the Herceptin I am taking is reducing that 86% of the cancer from coming back. But the cancer in my body was also 14% estrogen based. She said anything above 10% has to be treated. She said for the next year we will stay on the Herceptin to make sure the cancer doesn't come back while I am on that. Then when it does they will biopsy it and figure out weather it is estrogen based or HER2 Neu based. If is estrogen based they will treat that or if it is HER2 Neu based they will treat that. Then after a year they will take me off the Herceptin and put me on the tamoxifen and see if the cancer comes back then and treat it. If it doesn't then they want to take a break from everything for three months. They want to see if the cancer will come back while I am not on anything. Then if not they will put me back on treatment. I don't know about you but it seems wrong. Don't you think they should be doing everything for me to make sure it stays gone. Not to wait to see which way it will come back. I think that is why I left the Dr. so upset.

We also went over that I need to have an eye exam. My eyes have been a little blurry lately.

She also scheduled an echo cardiogram(sp) an exam to watch my heart. Some of the medicine I am on can cause heart problems. So they just want a base line and they will check it once in a while.

The flu like systems I have been having are from the Zometa. Which she said should go away after a few times.

I have been having headaches for about 1 1/2 weeks and she said they were going to do the MRI and see what that said before they tried anything for the headaches.

She said I will have blood test every month to watch the cancer. I will stay with monthly visits for the next couple of months then I will go to every other month and then at the year mark take a 3 month break from everything. Then she said we will see.

Dr. Kris like I said, said that he is going to change my meds a little and treat so the cancer wont come back. That makes me feel so much better. I feel like he wants me to stay healthy not wait for it to come back and then treat the systems.

He did a lot of adjusting which is why I was having the really bad headaches. They have been so much better. No headaches. The headaches were also tension headaches from my Dr's visit with Mitra. I guess I didn't like what she had to say about waiting for the cancer to come back and that it probably would.

He also changed some of my meds. Still on 22 pills twice a day.

Oh, I almost forgot my CA2729 is back up to 38. Mitra was not concerned. She said it can bounce around for a bit after chemo.

Sorry it was so long.

2008-05-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

O.k. this is what Dr. Kris had to say about the scan.....

The few things I was worried about he said were all o.k. they were normal. The only thing he is worried about is C5. The report said it wasn't healing but it also didn't say the cancer was going there. So he said make sure you talk to Dr. Rado about it. So it is almost offical just waitting to see Dr. Rado in a few weeks but Dr. Kris said this is great news the best news. The cancer is gone. Can you believe it!! Just one more Dr. to give me the good news and we are done for the most part!!!

Dr. Kris did some adjusting in my neck and back.

I also have been sneezing alot and said I felt like I might be alergic to something. So he did some test and we found out I am alergic to grass. Alright I wasn't before but I guess I am now.

He also found an infection in my throat he gave me some vits for that. So hopefully that clears up soon.