I envision radiant health in my body this very moment. I feel stronger and more alive, renewed and energized.
Once again I am sorry for my delayed blog update, but I've been crazy busy. Busy is good, because it means that I am feeling good!
My last doctor appointment was on Monday, July 26th. All of my labs looked good so I was able to get a full dose of chemo this time. Then had a Neulasta shot on Tuesday, the 27th. I was really tired and achy, but that passed by the weekend.
Good news....I don't have to see the doctor again until August 23rd. If my labs continue to look good, I will have a full dose of chemo again. That will be my 6th and final treatment. How about that...it means that I will have made it through all 6 treatments without an allergic reaction. Life is good and God is gracious!!!
I constantly ask God to bless me with the strength to continue this battle that he has given me to fight. I thank him daily that he is letting me win!!!!
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish and it will be done for you.
--John 15:7
Blessings for a peaceful week,
Sandy
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Doctor visit update
I am deeply grateful as I receive the blessings of answered prayer.
My last medical oncologist appointment was Tuesday, July 13th. Appointment went well, uneventful. My labs came back okay. Platelet count is coming up. WBC is up, (thank you Neulasta!), however I am still slightly anemic.
I saw my radiation oncologist on Thursday, July 15th for a 4 month follow-up. What a great guy...very spiritual and not afraid to show it. I like that in a doctor. He reviewed my MRI results and is very pleased with them. He checked my neurological reflexes, etc and says I'm doing awesome. I told him that I have 2 more treatments, but am a bit concerned about not doing anything after these treatments are done. He said, we aren't doing nothing, we have prayer and will continue to have prayer. How about that?! I said, it's the power of prayer that has made me an 8 month survivor so far. He said, you aren't just an 8 month survivor, you're a survivor every day! AMEN to that!! I go back to see him in October.
My next oncologist visit is Monday, July 26th and will have chemo the same day as long as my counts are okay. 5th treatment, just 1 more to go.
I know I'm sounding like a very broken record, but.....thanks again everyone for all of the prayers and support. Oh my goodness....I most definitely wouldn't have come this far without my huge circle of prayer partners. I'm amazed by every ones generous prayers for me. It's an awesome feeling...thank you for making me feel special.
Every day is a miracle filled with opportunities to give and receive.
Have a blessed day,
Sandy
My last medical oncologist appointment was Tuesday, July 13th. Appointment went well, uneventful. My labs came back okay. Platelet count is coming up. WBC is up, (thank you Neulasta!), however I am still slightly anemic.
I saw my radiation oncologist on Thursday, July 15th for a 4 month follow-up. What a great guy...very spiritual and not afraid to show it. I like that in a doctor. He reviewed my MRI results and is very pleased with them. He checked my neurological reflexes, etc and says I'm doing awesome. I told him that I have 2 more treatments, but am a bit concerned about not doing anything after these treatments are done. He said, we aren't doing nothing, we have prayer and will continue to have prayer. How about that?! I said, it's the power of prayer that has made me an 8 month survivor so far. He said, you aren't just an 8 month survivor, you're a survivor every day! AMEN to that!! I go back to see him in October.
My next oncologist visit is Monday, July 26th and will have chemo the same day as long as my counts are okay. 5th treatment, just 1 more to go.
I know I'm sounding like a very broken record, but.....thanks again everyone for all of the prayers and support. Oh my goodness....I most definitely wouldn't have come this far without my huge circle of prayer partners. I'm amazed by every ones generous prayers for me. It's an awesome feeling...thank you for making me feel special.
Every day is a miracle filled with opportunities to give and receive.
Have a blessed day,
Sandy
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
4th Treatment and MRI Results
God gives the very best to those who leave the choices up to him!
Sorry for my delayed update....life can be crazy sometimes!!
I had my MRI on Friday, June 25th and my oncologist appointment on Tuesday, June 29th. The MRI results were good...no tumor regrowth! The small 'enhancement' at the tumor site that they saw in January and March seems to be a bit smaller as well. When it was first seen in January, the doctors weren't sure if the 'enhancement' was scar tissue or resistant tumor. Since it appears smaller, it could very well be resistant tumor, they just don't know. The only way to really know is surgery...not doing that right now. Still all in all, this is exciting news!
As far as my blood counts, everything is so, so. My platelets are low, which is a side effect of the Carboplatin, so the chemo I had on Wednesday, June 30th was a 10% less dose than my previous treatment. Reducing the dose was more preferable than not taking chemo for several weeks to try to bring my platelet count up. I also had a Neulasta (bone marrow stimulant) shot on Thursday to help increase my white blood cell count. I didn't feel as sick with this treatment, which I attribute to the lesser dose, plus I took more anti-nausea medicine.
Next oncologist appointment is Tuesday, July 13th. Next appointment with my radiation oncologist is Thursday, July 15th for a 4-month follow-up. I am anxious to hear what he has to say about the MRI results!!
Only 2 more treatments to go...mid July and then early August to finish. I would imagine I will have another MRI then.
I am feeling good and remain thankful for every day and all the prayers sent my way. The power of prayer is absolutely unbelievable...I am so blessed!!
Every day is a gift, not a given right!
Sandy
Sorry for my delayed update....life can be crazy sometimes!!
I had my MRI on Friday, June 25th and my oncologist appointment on Tuesday, June 29th. The MRI results were good...no tumor regrowth! The small 'enhancement' at the tumor site that they saw in January and March seems to be a bit smaller as well. When it was first seen in January, the doctors weren't sure if the 'enhancement' was scar tissue or resistant tumor. Since it appears smaller, it could very well be resistant tumor, they just don't know. The only way to really know is surgery...not doing that right now. Still all in all, this is exciting news!
As far as my blood counts, everything is so, so. My platelets are low, which is a side effect of the Carboplatin, so the chemo I had on Wednesday, June 30th was a 10% less dose than my previous treatment. Reducing the dose was more preferable than not taking chemo for several weeks to try to bring my platelet count up. I also had a Neulasta (bone marrow stimulant) shot on Thursday to help increase my white blood cell count. I didn't feel as sick with this treatment, which I attribute to the lesser dose, plus I took more anti-nausea medicine.
Next oncologist appointment is Tuesday, July 13th. Next appointment with my radiation oncologist is Thursday, July 15th for a 4-month follow-up. I am anxious to hear what he has to say about the MRI results!!
Only 2 more treatments to go...mid July and then early August to finish. I would imagine I will have another MRI then.
I am feeling good and remain thankful for every day and all the prayers sent my way. The power of prayer is absolutely unbelievable...I am so blessed!!
Every day is a gift, not a given right!
Sandy
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Quick update..June 24, 2010
God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down.
Psalms 27
Want to give a quick update....not much going on with me right now. I'm feeling good, and all seems to be going well. I met with my new doctor last week. I have a MRI tomorrow morning, Friday, June 25th. I should get the results at my next doctor visit on Tuesday, June 29th. I expect my next Chemo treatment to be on Wednesday, June 30th.
Pray that all goes well over the next week.
Thanks everyone, I'll be back in touch next week.
My trust in God grows ever stronger.
Have a great weekend everyone.
+ Peace
Sandy
Psalms 27
Want to give a quick update....not much going on with me right now. I'm feeling good, and all seems to be going well. I met with my new doctor last week. I have a MRI tomorrow morning, Friday, June 25th. I should get the results at my next doctor visit on Tuesday, June 29th. I expect my next Chemo treatment to be on Wednesday, June 30th.
Pray that all goes well over the next week.
Thanks everyone, I'll be back in touch next week.
My trust in God grows ever stronger.
Have a great weekend everyone.
+ Peace
Sandy
Monday, June 7, 2010
Treatment #3
Make each day your Masterpiece!
I saw my oncologist on Thursday, June 3rd. My blood counts were low again, but she wanted me to go forward with chemo anyway. I went back on Friday morning and got the Neulasta shot to start stimulating my bone marrow to build my counts back up. For some reason, this treatment was pretty rough. I didn't feel well all weekend, although Saturday was better than Sunday. Sunday, I had body aches (side effect of the Neulasta) and was very nauseous (side effect of the Carboplatin). I'm finally starting to feel better today, but still taking one day at a time.
When I saw my doctor on Thursday, she didn't seem her normal self. She told me she had some bad news that she needed to talk to me about. Of course I started to panic...who wouldn't when their doctor starts a conversation that way? For a few seconds my mind flashed-back to the day my surgeon told me the tumor pathology results....Yikes...major panic!! Oh my gosh, Lord, you are really testing me, aren't you? Well, as it turns out, the news is that my doctor is leaving St. Louis to move back to her hometown in Ohio for family reasons. Phew....that's it?...It's not about me? Thank the Lord it's not about me!!
Of course, I'm not happy that she won't be my doctor, but as I told her...family comes first, she needs to take care of her family. I would absolutely do the same thing if I was faced with family issues that needed care.
I fully believe and trust that everything that happens, happens for a reason. I will find a new doctor that will forge ahead with me in my care. I will continue to come out on top and climb this mountain for as long as I need to. Many times shaking up the situation opens up new opportunities and new ways of looking at things. I'm considering this a new opportunity to fight this battle in new ways. I know we are winning and we will continue to win!
Thank you to everyone who is in this battle with me. You build me up and make me stronger everyday.
I bless my mind and body with thoughts of perfect health....I am one with God.
I saw my oncologist on Thursday, June 3rd. My blood counts were low again, but she wanted me to go forward with chemo anyway. I went back on Friday morning and got the Neulasta shot to start stimulating my bone marrow to build my counts back up. For some reason, this treatment was pretty rough. I didn't feel well all weekend, although Saturday was better than Sunday. Sunday, I had body aches (side effect of the Neulasta) and was very nauseous (side effect of the Carboplatin). I'm finally starting to feel better today, but still taking one day at a time.
When I saw my doctor on Thursday, she didn't seem her normal self. She told me she had some bad news that she needed to talk to me about. Of course I started to panic...who wouldn't when their doctor starts a conversation that way? For a few seconds my mind flashed-back to the day my surgeon told me the tumor pathology results....Yikes...major panic!! Oh my gosh, Lord, you are really testing me, aren't you? Well, as it turns out, the news is that my doctor is leaving St. Louis to move back to her hometown in Ohio for family reasons. Phew....that's it?...It's not about me? Thank the Lord it's not about me!!
Of course, I'm not happy that she won't be my doctor, but as I told her...family comes first, she needs to take care of her family. I would absolutely do the same thing if I was faced with family issues that needed care.
I fully believe and trust that everything that happens, happens for a reason. I will find a new doctor that will forge ahead with me in my care. I will continue to come out on top and climb this mountain for as long as I need to. Many times shaking up the situation opens up new opportunities and new ways of looking at things. I'm considering this a new opportunity to fight this battle in new ways. I know we are winning and we will continue to win!
Thank you to everyone who is in this battle with me. You build me up and make me stronger everyday.
I bless my mind and body with thoughts of perfect health....I am one with God.
God's peace be with all of you today and everyday,
Sandy
Friday, May 21, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Life is GOOD today!
It's been a fairly uneventful two weeks since my last post. I've felt pretty good, although I did come down with a cold that landed in my chest. I'm ramping up on Vitamin C and sinus rinse, so all that remains is a bit of a lingering cough. I haven't been able to get my walks in as much because of the rainy season we're in, but am trying to get out as much as possible. I am so looking forward to sunny weather...as I'm sure everyone is.
I saw my oncologist on Thursday morning. Blood work results came back very good. There are so many counts on that piece of paper from the lab, and I don't understand all of them, but I do know that my white blood counts are up to 2200. This means that the Neulasta (bone marrow stimulant) shot is doing it's job. It's been two weeks since my last chemo treatment, so if the counts were going to be low, they would be now. At this point, we don't expect them to drop. I am just slightly anemic, but not enough to be concerned.
My next blood work up and appointment is scheduled for June 3rd. If all is well, I will have treatment on that day as well. This will be treatment #3....leaving me with only 3 more to go. I would expect to have a MRI probably in June or July since that will be the halfway point in my treatment.
My doctor is so pleased with my results....it's about time!!! I haven't exactly been a textbook patient. I haven't reacted negatively (so far!) to the Carboplatin. I'm not on steroids, except with my treatment. (Doc told me she has many patients that can't come off of steroids at all...I'm feeling very lucky!) I'm strong neurologically, physically and mentally....well usually strong mentally. I've had a couple of meltdown moments recently. But everyone has their days...right? It's all just part of life and dealing with the crosses we have to bear.
It brings me to tears to realize just how blessed I am to have so many friends thinking of me, checking on me, praying for me. GOD has called me to carry this burden. I have accepted it and am faithfully doing what HE wants me to do. I am in HIS arms and HE carries me everyday.
I make my way through this experience bravely and courageously because I am not alone. I am wrapped in the blanket of God's love, lifted up and cared for.
Many Blessings to all,
Sandy
It's been a fairly uneventful two weeks since my last post. I've felt pretty good, although I did come down with a cold that landed in my chest. I'm ramping up on Vitamin C and sinus rinse, so all that remains is a bit of a lingering cough. I haven't been able to get my walks in as much because of the rainy season we're in, but am trying to get out as much as possible. I am so looking forward to sunny weather...as I'm sure everyone is.
I saw my oncologist on Thursday morning. Blood work results came back very good. There are so many counts on that piece of paper from the lab, and I don't understand all of them, but I do know that my white blood counts are up to 2200. This means that the Neulasta (bone marrow stimulant) shot is doing it's job. It's been two weeks since my last chemo treatment, so if the counts were going to be low, they would be now. At this point, we don't expect them to drop. I am just slightly anemic, but not enough to be concerned.
My next blood work up and appointment is scheduled for June 3rd. If all is well, I will have treatment on that day as well. This will be treatment #3....leaving me with only 3 more to go. I would expect to have a MRI probably in June or July since that will be the halfway point in my treatment.
My doctor is so pleased with my results....it's about time!!! I haven't exactly been a textbook patient. I haven't reacted negatively (so far!) to the Carboplatin. I'm not on steroids, except with my treatment. (Doc told me she has many patients that can't come off of steroids at all...I'm feeling very lucky!) I'm strong neurologically, physically and mentally....well usually strong mentally. I've had a couple of meltdown moments recently. But everyone has their days...right? It's all just part of life and dealing with the crosses we have to bear.
It brings me to tears to realize just how blessed I am to have so many friends thinking of me, checking on me, praying for me. GOD has called me to carry this burden. I have accepted it and am faithfully doing what HE wants me to do. I am in HIS arms and HE carries me everyday.
I make my way through this experience bravely and courageously because I am not alone. I am wrapped in the blanket of God's love, lifted up and cared for.
Many Blessings to all,
Sandy
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
"Thus far has the Lord helped us." Samuel 7:12
I had blood work this morning and the results were better than on Monday. The Neupogen shots worked to bring my blood counts up to the point that I was able to have chemo today.
I had a full dose of the Carboplatin. I came home and slept pretty much all day, but haven't had any other negative side effects at this point. I'm remaining optimistic that all will continue to go well. I go back for one more shot on Friday morning. This time I will get Neulasta, which is a longer lasting bone marrow stimulant that is supposed to keep my blood cell count from dropping too low.
My next doctor appointment is May, 20th. I'm looking forward to that appointment because I'm curious how the Neulasta will keep my blood counts stable.
Thank you for your continued gifts of prayers. You all are in my daily prayers as well. I am amazed everyday that I am so blessed.
Touch me with your hand Father, and use me to pass on your touch to others.
Peace,
Sandy
I had blood work this morning and the results were better than on Monday. The Neupogen shots worked to bring my blood counts up to the point that I was able to have chemo today.
I had a full dose of the Carboplatin. I came home and slept pretty much all day, but haven't had any other negative side effects at this point. I'm remaining optimistic that all will continue to go well. I go back for one more shot on Friday morning. This time I will get Neulasta, which is a longer lasting bone marrow stimulant that is supposed to keep my blood cell count from dropping too low.
My next doctor appointment is May, 20th. I'm looking forward to that appointment because I'm curious how the Neulasta will keep my blood counts stable.
Thank you for your continued gifts of prayers. You all are in my daily prayers as well. I am amazed everyday that I am so blessed.
Touch me with your hand Father, and use me to pass on your touch to others.
Peace,
Sandy
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