End of Treatments and Final Blog

Last week was my final radiation treatment and what a journey it has been.  I was scheduled for 30 treatments which took 6 weeks plus one day to complete.  The extra day was due to an equipment problem that caused a day of delay.  The first 25 treatments consisted of radiation from 4 different directions.  The treatments themselves only took about 10 minutes and of course the radiation techs were so professional and accommodating. 

The last 5 treatments were a booster that targeted the surgery area specifically. The process to make the metal plate for the radiation was interesting. The plate blocked the radiation to everywhere except the surgery area which was selected from a detailed mammogram.  The plate was actually made twice because I was concerned that it did not include the area from my second surgery when the surgeon went in to make sure that the margins were clear from cancer cells. 

The radiation plate goes on the end of the extension and is lowered to within an inch or two of the area to be radiated.

I had a big surprise on my final treatment day (Monday, Sept 28). Rick came with me and was taking me out to lunch to celebrate. When I came into the waiting area, Jackie, Errol, and Steph were waiting for me with a finish line banner to break through.  It really brought back lots of treatment memories and of course made me cry.  It really has been a journey from finding the mass, having surgery to remove it, two types of chemo treatments, and finally radiation.  I believe that the biggest miracle has been how well my body handled radiation. I was able to exercise almost every day without ever feeling the exhaustion that so many others have described. I definitely think that exercise has been the key for me.   It was extremely hard to start exercising again about half way through chemo but I hung in there with walking until I could walk my usual 3 to 4 miles and then add some Yoga  and Pilates classes. 

Rick and I went for a wonderful bike ride to Inkom and back this past weekend. It was great to be out on a ride again but I definitely have a ways to go before I have all of my endurance back. I do feel healthy and energized. My final step to beat cancer is to take an anti-estrogen drug for the next 5 years. Rick and I fasted this past week about the drug because we have concerns about possible side effects such as hair loss, bone aches, digestion issues, bone loss, etc, etc, etc. My hair is currently about 1/4 inch long but it is coming quite thick.  I also have my eyelashes back which is amazing because about 6 weeks ago I had zero eyelashes. 

Life really is great and I am looking forward to spending retirement with my husband starting October 2014. 

New Hair?

It has been six weeks since my last chemo treatment and I was in hopes that my hair would be growing by now.  Unfortunately, I have just a tiny bit of fuzz and absolutely no eyelashes.  I am so glad that my hairdresser suggested that I get permanent makeup before I lost my hairs.

  

When I got my permanent makeup my timing could not have been worse because I got an appointment the day before my first chemo treatment.  I had my eyebrows and eyeliner done which caused my eyes to puff up and crust over at the same time as my first and most difficult chemo treatment where I was totally sick to my stomach and unable to get off the couch.  I even had to drive back and forth to American Falls all by myself.  I have been to AF since with my sister and a good friend for their makeup but I always end up going by myself for my own makeup.  Oh well, the price we pay for beauty!

A couple of weeks ago I was getting ready for church and decided to try the artificial eyelashes that my niece Gina gave to me.  I went through three pair of eyelashes with no luck whatsoever.  How are you supposed to glue the eyelashes onto your eyes without gluing your eye lids together? I think that I require eyelashes that are stick on only.  I seemed to have full eyelashes up to about eight weeks ago but then they starting really thinning out.  The last time I used mascara I had no eyelashes on my right eye and four or five on my left eye.  I had trimmed the last couple of eyelashes so that they didn't stand out too much but it did look quite silly.  I have no eyelashes now so I am saving money on mascara and hair products.  I started using Lilash to help my eyelashes grow six weeks ago but no luck so far.  I'm  not giving up yet!!!!!!

Today I went to ISU cosmetology because they have free wigs for cancer patients.  I tried on about 10 wigs and came home with 2 new looks.  Here is a picture of Steph and myself on our way to lunch today.  We are both sporting new looks!

The Last Leg - Radiation

I started the third leg of my cancer triathlon on September 16th.  The treatment is 30 sessions or 6 weeks of treatments that are scheduled for Mondays through Fridays.  I am in the middle of my third week and doing well.  Almost everyone gets quite tired during the round of radiation treatments and needs a few weeks to fully recuperate after they are completed.  My doctor told me that I would be quite the anomaly if I don't get worn out by the treatments.  Rick and I plan to do a lot of my recuperation in Mexico where the weather will be warm and comfortable!

Radiation started with a ct scan so that the doctors could identify where the radiation paths needed to be.  A physicist actually puts the plan together based on the surgery or cancer locations and the location of your vital organs.  This is a pic of the Electa Infinity machine or the radiation room and equipment which cost 3.5 million!  The Infinity does the radiation treatments and takes X-rays as well. The techs take X-rays of my treatment areas each week for the doctors to analyze.

This is a pic of the form that is used for me to lie down on each treatment.  It helps to insure that my body is in the same position for each treatment.  It is not very comfortable even though it was a custom fit!

Skin irritations or burns are another side effect of radiation.  I use aloe vera gel a couple of times a day and so far no irritations.

Chemo - My Eighth and final chemo treatment

Today is my eighth chemo treatment!  The treatments started on May 14th right after Mother's Day through today which is August 20th.  After the first treatment I wondered how I was going to make it.  I learned to take it one day at a time and on treatment at a time.  Thank you all so much for your visits, prayers, phone calls and many, many cards.  Everything has made a difference as I worked through this aggressive chemo schedule!  

I brought some party food for the nurses, doctors and staff to celebrate my last treatment.  Costco chicken salad, rolls, grapes, and potato chips were on the menu. Dessert included Mrs Fields cookies and Decadent Brownie Bites - delicious!!!!

Over the Hump

I made it through treatment #6 and I am looking forward with only 2 remaining.  This week the Taxol was not as bad or at least I have not been experiencing neuropathy.  I definitely have metal mouth, tiredness and nausea but I am able to do light exercise and my appetite has been really good.  I still love the thought of a good old hamburger but salad and vegies are a crucial part of my diet!

On piece of good news from this last treatment - my red blood count was up slightly and I did not need to have an infusion of iron nor a transfusion!

Rick married a young couple from our ward last night (Rachel Fisher and Cody Clinger) and here is a picture of us at the wedding.

Here is a picture of Rick with Cody and Rachel during the ceremony.

My sister Dee and her husband Harold are coming to stay with us this week.  It has been so fun to have sisters, a daughter and friends come to spend time with us and to help out with meals, etc.  I am looking forward to November when my treatments will be complete but I am also enjoying this summer at home with friends and family!

Spinderella and After

My daughter Jacqueline sent me an email saying that I needed to get some postings on my blog.  I am so sorry that I have been so neglectful.  I can't say that I have been super busy because usually there is nothing on my calendar unless it is a bi-weekly treatment or fluid.  

I was able to ride in Spinderella on June 15 and rode 25 miles.  One of the best parts of the ride were the fellow riders who would take the time to ride with me and to encourage me about my progress.  I also had my husband close by in our car so that he could keep an eye on me and he was able to make sure that I did not get over tired.

After the ride.

A photo shot with Lorie Murray when we picked up our packets.

The first four of my chemo treatments were completed on June 25th and I was really happy to be moving on to the next set of treatments.  Nausea had been the most difficult side effect of the treatments and it was present pretty much 24/7.  On July 9, I started a series of four treatment of Taxol.  I was warned by one of the PA's that Taxol would not be easier but it would be different.  I came to realize that difference the very next day.  Any callouses or rough spots on my feet had become super sensitive from the prior chemo.  A possible side effect from the Taxol is neuropathy and my feet and hands were extremely effected with redness, swelling, tingling, etc.  Steph Victor and I were talking on the phone on July 11th and I just broke down in tears.  I knew that there were side effects but for some reason I was not prepared for the pain and inability to walk on my feet.  Fortunately Steph took me for fluid, gave me an awesome foot massage and took me to lunch afterwards.  When I got home, Joan Hansen had sent me a darling teddy bear and a box of delicious chocolates!  I don't know how I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family!  You are all fabulous!!!!

I don't remember having a stuffed animal before and I have really been enjoying this cute pink teddy!

Rick and I had signed up to participate in the Joint Jaunt on July 13 - he was doing a 10K run and I was doing a 5K walk.  We really didn't know if I would be able to participate because of the neuropathy .  Fortunately, Steph's massage along with several more and Melagel took the swelling and pain down so that I was able to do the walk.  I took my time but I came in 8th out of 14 in my age group.  The Joint Jaunt was to honor participants with full joint replacements so I fit right in with my two miracle hips. 

My next treatment is scheduled for Tuesday (5 of 8).  My biggest health problem is anemia due to a low red blood cell count.  If my count continues to drop then I will probably receive either an iron infusion or a transfusion.  The anemia could also push the treatments back one week.  I will let you know how things go.

To Inkom and Back

Wednesday evening was only the second day after my chemo treatment and I felt like I wanted and needed to take a ride on my road.bike,  I called my good friend Lorie and asked her if she could take a ride with me which we scheduled for this morning.    We parked my car at the Portneuf church and started spinning toward Inkom.  I felt great and it was such a thrill to be out riding on such a beautiful morning.  I did notice that I didn't have quite as much energy on the hills but overall I didn't notice too much difference from other rides that we had taken.  We made it to Inkom and then took Old Highway 91 south and then went a little ways toward Pebble Creek.  At that point we headed back toward home by riding right through downtown Inkom.  

The ride home was definitely slower.  Today was only the second time that I have been able to ride this year so I am definitely not in great shape for riding.  It felt absolutely marvelous to finish the ride and to make it back to the car.  I must say that I took a much needed nap this afternoon.

One thing that I learned from my ride today - I am going to be able to ride in Spinderella on Saturday!!!