I had my labs done again yesterday. All the blood counts are perfectly normal - right where they should be. However, my BP is up to 140/80. I had a new prescription for replacing the Norvasc which I can't take due to the clinical trial. I didn't want to take it since my BP was perfect last week. Based on the BP yesterday, I picked up the prescription. I have to take one in the morning and one at night. One of the side effects is being drowsy. I fought nodding off all morning today. If the same thing happens through the weekend, I will talk with my internist Monday. I really don't want to be so sleepy.
The nurse from CU called me today. I have to see the Dr. before each infusion and he won't be available on the 23rd. After discussing the options with her, we decided to move my #3 Infusion to Sept 30. That will make it four weeks, not three, but it will give me a full week more to recover from #2. It was either that or make two trips to Aurora the week of the 23rd. She indicated no problem with it being four weeks - not three. Hopefully, there won't be too many of these rescheduled appointments. That will only delay the ending of this whole thing.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Too soon
Maybe I had my hair cut off too soon. I am not showing any signs of losing what is now the buzz cut and it is growing. We went to dinner (our usual Tuesday night dinner) at Poppy's and several at the table did not know I was wearing a wig - TADA!!! I am comfortable going out with it on although I am also very comfortable taking it off when I get home. Tonight we celebrated a friend's birthday - Barb is 96 today!!! There were days this spring when I didn't think she would make her 96th because of the accident she was in when someone hit her headon. She is very lucky and we all celebrated her day with her, which is a very good thing!
I am still feeling fine and am not exhibiting any side effects of either the chemo or RA. I am walking very well.
Today there was a 5.8 earthquake on the east coast - in Virginia at 1:51 EDT. Although this was a relatively small quake, it was felt as far south as Georgia, as far up the coast as Manchester, NH, as far north as Toronto, Canada and as far west as Chicago, IL.
I am still feeling fine and am not exhibiting any side effects of either the chemo or RA. I am walking very well.
Today there was a 5.8 earthquake on the east coast - in Virginia at 1:51 EDT. Although this was a relatively small quake, it was felt as far south as Georgia, as far up the coast as Manchester, NH, as far north as Toronto, Canada and as far west as Chicago, IL.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Hair
I know all the arguments for WHY there is hair loss during chemotherapy - the chemo kills all the fast growing cells which include the cancer cells AND hair cells. That does not eliminate the horror of knowing that the hair loss is totally unfeminine (to me), totally unwarranted from a personal point of view and totally unavoidable. It is demoralizing and an insult to an otherwise very difficult process. I could not have done the cutting yesterday without the moral support of my daughter, Judy. She is a terrific source of strength. The women at the spa were aware, of course, why I was sitting there and not JUST getting a haircut. They were all kind, understanding and not overly solicitous. If they had been I'm afraid the few tears shed would have been a full blown meltdown. As it was, I survived it much better than I thought I would. I still am shocked when I suddenly see myself in the mirror, but suppose I will get used to it. At least I don't have lumps and bumps - phrenology would have a very difficult getting any results on my head.
And I had them trim and style the wig a little. I left wearing the wig. When I got to Judy's house, I was interested in the grandchildren's take on it. Vivian was very matter-of-fact and said I looked like Baya - and off she ran. When Sid came in, I was intrigued with his assessment. He stood by the door, crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his head from side to side, sizing up the overall effect. He then announced, "It looks like you, Baya, and the color is right!" So there!!! Rather a good observer, I think.
The gal who cut my hair off refused to charge me. It's a very kind thing for her to have done. One of the other gals there had watched my hair come off, realized why and came over to tell me that she specialized in make-up and had worked with several cancer women and would love to give me an hour - again at no cost. I will do that...and tip her very well. That is a wonderful spa to have available to me.
Tonight was my first 'outing' to test my wig's reception. As a graduated 'Newcomers' a friend and I established the "After Five" group for Wine and Cheese. It was held in the Rocky Mountain National Park tonight from 5-7 and was a good experience. My wig passed with glowing colors!
When I am at home, I don't wear the wig very much. I have a cap that is navy blue that feels a whole lot more comfortable. I do have to be careful of not getting sunburned so am being more diligent about sitting in shade. Dave accepts the baldness with ease and told me this morning, I have a very good looking head. I'll take that!
I continue to feel well and think I will for the next two weeks. 2nd Infusion = September 2.
Bald head is the new norm - for awhile. I'm looking forward to seeing how it comes back in. I will NOT take a picture without the wig or cap on.
And I had them trim and style the wig a little. I left wearing the wig. When I got to Judy's house, I was interested in the grandchildren's take on it. Vivian was very matter-of-fact and said I looked like Baya - and off she ran. When Sid came in, I was intrigued with his assessment. He stood by the door, crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his head from side to side, sizing up the overall effect. He then announced, "It looks like you, Baya, and the color is right!" So there!!! Rather a good observer, I think.
The gal who cut my hair off refused to charge me. It's a very kind thing for her to have done. One of the other gals there had watched my hair come off, realized why and came over to tell me that she specialized in make-up and had worked with several cancer women and would love to give me an hour - again at no cost. I will do that...and tip her very well. That is a wonderful spa to have available to me.
Tonight was my first 'outing' to test my wig's reception. As a graduated 'Newcomers' a friend and I established the "After Five" group for Wine and Cheese. It was held in the Rocky Mountain National Park tonight from 5-7 and was a good experience. My wig passed with glowing colors!
When I am at home, I don't wear the wig very much. I have a cap that is navy blue that feels a whole lot more comfortable. I do have to be careful of not getting sunburned so am being more diligent about sitting in shade. Dave accepts the baldness with ease and told me this morning, I have a very good looking head. I'll take that!
I continue to feel well and think I will for the next two weeks. 2nd Infusion = September 2.
Bald head is the new norm - for awhile. I'm looking forward to seeing how it comes back in. I will NOT take a picture without the wig or cap on.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Labs Today
All my labs are good - WBC 5.8 (norm = 4-11); Platelets 246 (norm = 130-440); Hemoglobin and Hematocrit 11.6 (she didn't give me the normal range) but said everything was stable.
I came across a saying today and I like it very much: "There comes a time in your life when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it You surround yourself with people who make you laugh.. Forget the bad and focus on the good Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life; getting back up is living!"
I will get back up!
I came across a saying today and I like it very much: "There comes a time in your life when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it You surround yourself with people who make you laugh.. Forget the bad and focus on the good Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life; getting back up is living!"
I will get back up!
Good Labs
I had my weekly labs done today and, although I don't know what the blood work showed, I'm sure they were fine. What really pleased me was the BP. Two weeks ago I had to go off one of my BP meds - not allowed on the clinical trial. My BP this am was 126/78 - near perfect, as the Triage Nurse said. So...today is a good day - no longer a metallic taste in my mouth, water tastes good again and so does Blueberry-Pomegranate Gatorade, although I still feel like I'm venturing into Star Wars when I ask for a drink that is indeed 'blue'!! I did PT yesterday and still feel good. After going in for the weekly lab work, Dave and I went over to the Estes Park Farmers' Market. We parked and I walked the whole length of the market and back - a couple of times. I also saw several friends, stopped and talked with them - glad to see them all. I also petted a beautiful, very large Golden Retriever - name was Garson. He was terribly interested in all the new smells available to him. I am trying to eat organic foods. We are eating many more veggies and fruits - all organic. Eating organically, I am able to take care of one of the side effects I don't want, caused by the chemo - constipation The fruit I eat for breakfast does the trick.
Tomorrow is spa day. <Sigh>
Tomorrow is spa day. <Sigh>
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Physical Therapy
I took another Zofran this morning and then went to physical therapy. I was on the incumbent stepper for 15 minutes. My knees are not hurting and today, I prettied up my hair the way I like it. Might as well enjoy it for another few days! That meant I cut it so it curled the way I want it. Maybe the wig can be styled more closely to how I have it today. That would please me - make it less obvious that I am 'ill' with cancer.
Water is not tasting as good as it has so I will experiment with additives - Gatorade or fruit in the water. I am amazed how much that affects how much water I do (or NOT) drink. The filter in the frig is current so it is the chemo, to be sure. I will try lime, strawberries, etc. and let people know which is best for me.
Water is not tasting as good as it has so I will experiment with additives - Gatorade or fruit in the water. I am amazed how much that affects how much water I do (or NOT) drink. The filter in the frig is current so it is the chemo, to be sure. I will try lime, strawberries, etc. and let people know which is best for me.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Day Four
They told me that from Day 4 through Day 9 I might feel nauseous. I can't really say it was full-blown nausea I felt this morning - just a slightly queasy feeling. So I took one Zofran and was able to get on top of it without any difficulties. I didn't need to add the compazine to it. So far - a good day.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Background of Discovery
I was shocked to discover on Mother's Day that I had uterine cancer (how's that for irony?). On May 31 I had a total hysterectomy. In a lot of ways I have very lucky. First of all, I did not ignore the initial symptoms. Along with all the female organs removed, I also had 48 lymph nodes removed. They were clear of any cancer. There was a 1 mm invasion on the omentum.
In researching possible clinical trials appropriate for me, I was most interested in either Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN or M. D. Anderson, Houston TX. I had a patient navigator from the hospital where I had the surgery who found what we hoped would be the perfect clinical trial for me. My oncologist in Fort Collins, CO looked it over and thoroughly endorsed it. I also have a cousin who is an oncology radiologist at DuPage Medical Group in Illinois. She also endorsed this particular clinical trial. I was put in touch with Colorado University, Anschutz Cancer Center in Aurora, CO and enrolled in the clinical trial. In order to be enrolled I had to be off my medicine for rheumatoid arthritis for four weeks.
I have never been so completely documented! All the initial tests (PET scan, blood work, mammogram, ultra sound, CAT scan) show there is no active cancer - so no macro cells. The one item that made me eligible for the clinical trial was that 1 mm invasion on the omentum.
The plan randomized me into Arm 3 of the clinical trial. This is a Phase II trial. I will be on Ixabepilone, Carboplatin and Bevacizumab (Avastin). All who are in the know say this is the perfect arm to be in. My oncologist at Anschutz told me yesterday this is the one he wanted to see me in. I will have six infusions, three weeks apart. After the initial chemo treatment, I will stay on the Avastin indefinitely, receiving that infusion once every three weeks.
I had my first infusion yesterday. I was given premeds to help have no reaction to the chemo drugs. Unfortunately I had one reaction considered rare. One of the premeds was IV Benadryl. That usually knocks people out. Unfortunately, it gave me restless leg syndrome for over three hours. The Ativan given to counteract the Benadryl took forever to take affect. I thought I was going to climb the walls!!!
I have had no adverse reaction to the chemo as of today. In fact I woke up this morning with the realization that the symptoms of RA were not there. No pain in my knees, wrists, thumbs, elbows or shoulders!!!
I will lose my hair - something that bothers me tremendously. I know it will grow back but it is so hard to come to grips with the fact that although I feel well and there is no active cancer in me at the moment, I will be sick, fatigued and bald due to the drugs I have to take to make me permanently better. I have made the decision to have my hair cut off next Friday. My daughter and I are going to make an afternoon of spa! I will be having my hair cut off, a facial, hand waxing, manicure and pedicure! She will join me in the spa items and have a haircut (not off). Despite my granddaughter thinking I should get a pink and purple wig, I found one that is my color and similar to my style. I will take the wig with me to see if it can be styled more closely to my hair before it is cut off.
A word here about the support I have. I have the best family in the whole world. They are a tremendous support for me, encouraging me, hugging me when I need it. My husband is awesome and I have renamed him my CHEMO-SABE (remember The Lone Ranger from the 50s?).
I encourage you who are going through chemo for uterine cancer or have gone through it, to comment and post. I welcome suggestions of what to eat, how to deal with the side effects, etc. Become part of my support through this.
Thank you,
Betsy
In researching possible clinical trials appropriate for me, I was most interested in either Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN or M. D. Anderson, Houston TX. I had a patient navigator from the hospital where I had the surgery who found what we hoped would be the perfect clinical trial for me. My oncologist in Fort Collins, CO looked it over and thoroughly endorsed it. I also have a cousin who is an oncology radiologist at DuPage Medical Group in Illinois. She also endorsed this particular clinical trial. I was put in touch with Colorado University, Anschutz Cancer Center in Aurora, CO and enrolled in the clinical trial. In order to be enrolled I had to be off my medicine for rheumatoid arthritis for four weeks.
I have never been so completely documented! All the initial tests (PET scan, blood work, mammogram, ultra sound, CAT scan) show there is no active cancer - so no macro cells. The one item that made me eligible for the clinical trial was that 1 mm invasion on the omentum.
The plan randomized me into Arm 3 of the clinical trial. This is a Phase II trial. I will be on Ixabepilone, Carboplatin and Bevacizumab (Avastin). All who are in the know say this is the perfect arm to be in. My oncologist at Anschutz told me yesterday this is the one he wanted to see me in. I will have six infusions, three weeks apart. After the initial chemo treatment, I will stay on the Avastin indefinitely, receiving that infusion once every three weeks.
I had my first infusion yesterday. I was given premeds to help have no reaction to the chemo drugs. Unfortunately I had one reaction considered rare. One of the premeds was IV Benadryl. That usually knocks people out. Unfortunately, it gave me restless leg syndrome for over three hours. The Ativan given to counteract the Benadryl took forever to take affect. I thought I was going to climb the walls!!!
I have had no adverse reaction to the chemo as of today. In fact I woke up this morning with the realization that the symptoms of RA were not there. No pain in my knees, wrists, thumbs, elbows or shoulders!!!
I will lose my hair - something that bothers me tremendously. I know it will grow back but it is so hard to come to grips with the fact that although I feel well and there is no active cancer in me at the moment, I will be sick, fatigued and bald due to the drugs I have to take to make me permanently better. I have made the decision to have my hair cut off next Friday. My daughter and I are going to make an afternoon of spa! I will be having my hair cut off, a facial, hand waxing, manicure and pedicure! She will join me in the spa items and have a haircut (not off). Despite my granddaughter thinking I should get a pink and purple wig, I found one that is my color and similar to my style. I will take the wig with me to see if it can be styled more closely to my hair before it is cut off.
A word here about the support I have. I have the best family in the whole world. They are a tremendous support for me, encouraging me, hugging me when I need it. My husband is awesome and I have renamed him my CHEMO-SABE (remember The Lone Ranger from the 50s?).
I encourage you who are going through chemo for uterine cancer or have gone through it, to comment and post. I welcome suggestions of what to eat, how to deal with the side effects, etc. Become part of my support through this.
Thank you,
Betsy
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