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
Friday, May 21, 2010
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
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Week of Monday, May 3, 2010
Today is a new day, a day I choose to lay down my fear and stress, a day in which I needn't be worried or concerned.
So it's the normal drill...I had blood work and doctor appointment on Monday morning. I think I am beginning to wonder what normal really is?
My lab results showed that my white blood cell count continued to decline over this past week. Last week it was 940, this week it is 830. Unfortunately, I can not take chemotherapy when the white blood count is below 1000.
To work on that, I have to take Neupogen shots. Neupogen stimulates the bone marrow to generate red, white blood cells and platelets. Side effects of this drug are slight to severe bone pain and fever. I had my first shot yesterday, second shot today, and will have another shot on Wednesday. I'm feeling some moderate bone pain, so I'm taking Tylenol. Unfortunately, since I am asthmatic, I can not take ibuprofen or Advil. I'm praying the pain won't get any worse than it is now, but if it does, oh well...in my mind the benefits out weigh the pain! I can do this!
This drug is fairly quick acting, so Thursday I will have bloodwork again to check my numbers. If the stars are aligned and the moon is in the 2nd house, and of course.....if my counts are back up, I will have chemo on Thursday, full dose this time. If chemo happens, I will go back on Friday for a shot of Neulasta, which is a longer acting bone marrow stimulant to try to keep my counts up so I can stay on time with my treatments.
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. Things could be worse. Fortunately I have God on my side and he is carrying me everyday!
Be strong and of good courage, and act. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. 1 Chronicles 28:20
I will keep you posted. Enjoy your day!
Peace,
Sandy
So it's the normal drill...I had blood work and doctor appointment on Monday morning. I think I am beginning to wonder what normal really is?
My lab results showed that my white blood cell count continued to decline over this past week. Last week it was 940, this week it is 830. Unfortunately, I can not take chemotherapy when the white blood count is below 1000.
To work on that, I have to take Neupogen shots. Neupogen stimulates the bone marrow to generate red, white blood cells and platelets. Side effects of this drug are slight to severe bone pain and fever. I had my first shot yesterday, second shot today, and will have another shot on Wednesday. I'm feeling some moderate bone pain, so I'm taking Tylenol. Unfortunately, since I am asthmatic, I can not take ibuprofen or Advil. I'm praying the pain won't get any worse than it is now, but if it does, oh well...in my mind the benefits out weigh the pain! I can do this!
This drug is fairly quick acting, so Thursday I will have bloodwork again to check my numbers. If the stars are aligned and the moon is in the 2nd house, and of course.....if my counts are back up, I will have chemo on Thursday, full dose this time. If chemo happens, I will go back on Friday for a shot of Neulasta, which is a longer acting bone marrow stimulant to try to keep my counts up so I can stay on time with my treatments.
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. Things could be worse. Fortunately I have God on my side and he is carrying me everyday!
Be strong and of good courage, and act. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. 1 Chronicles 28:20
I will keep you posted. Enjoy your day!
Peace,
Sandy
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Week of April 26th...
Worry looks around...sorry looks back...Faith looks up.
It's been a great two weeks. I've felt really good; I've worked every day and I've walked quite a bit. (many miles actually!!) Thank you, Lord, for allowing me the opportunity to have another day to experience life and to do your work!!
On Monday morning, 4/26, I had blood work and saw Dr. Partridge (oncology doctor). The lab results showed that my white blood count is a little low, so I was unable to have chemotherapy that day. (Although, I didn't realize I was supposed to have it until I got there...hmm!) Anyway, she is not overly concerned because the count is just slightly below what they want it to be. The low count is a direct side effect from the Carboplatin. She wants to see me next week for another blood work up. If my WBC is high enough I will have my chemo treatment on Monday, 5/3. If it's not, I will probably still have treatment, but then on Tuesday I would have to go in for a shot of Neupogen, which will stimulate white blood cell production. I'm not sure how often these shots are given, but I imagine I will find out soon enough. The Neupogen has a side effect of bone pain from slight to severe. We've all learned how I seem to react to medications....alright...well we're just not going there!!!
I will post a blog again next week after treatment.
"Do not fear, I am a wall of protection around you." GOD
Peace and many blessings and prayers,
Sandy
It's been a great two weeks. I've felt really good; I've worked every day and I've walked quite a bit. (many miles actually!!) Thank you, Lord, for allowing me the opportunity to have another day to experience life and to do your work!!
On Monday morning, 4/26, I had blood work and saw Dr. Partridge (oncology doctor). The lab results showed that my white blood count is a little low, so I was unable to have chemotherapy that day. (Although, I didn't realize I was supposed to have it until I got there...hmm!) Anyway, she is not overly concerned because the count is just slightly below what they want it to be. The low count is a direct side effect from the Carboplatin. She wants to see me next week for another blood work up. If my WBC is high enough I will have my chemo treatment on Monday, 5/3. If it's not, I will probably still have treatment, but then on Tuesday I would have to go in for a shot of Neupogen, which will stimulate white blood cell production. I'm not sure how often these shots are given, but I imagine I will find out soon enough. The Neupogen has a side effect of bone pain from slight to severe. We've all learned how I seem to react to medications....alright...well we're just not going there!!!
I will post a blog again next week after treatment.
"Do not fear, I am a wall of protection around you." GOD
Peace and many blessings and prayers,
Sandy
Monday, April 12, 2010
Events of the Last Two Weeks...
Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. I'm not worried about tomorrow, I'm trusting in what you say...Today is the day!
These last two weeks have been awesome. I have felt so good and so alive. The weather has turned the corner to warm days, cool nights and I am blessed everyday that I wake up and have another day to live life. Can it get any better than that....I think not!
Since I haven't blogged since March 29th, allow me to share what has been going on since then.
Monday, March 29th was a new chemotherapy day. It was a day that gave me the ultimate 'high' because of my MRI news. All week long, I've been feeling so good and even walked to and from work a few days (only a mile each way) when the weather cooperated.
Easter Sunday, April 4th was an awesome day. A little background...a week after my diagnosis (Nov. '09), we began attending a wonderful church called 'The Gathering". Our Easter service was at The Pageant in the University City loop. You could just feel God's presence all around you. The power and the spirit filled the venue and was so amazing. Our pastor, Matt Miofsky, is a gifted speaker and delivered a message that was very inspiring...."We are made for life, so we need to start living it." How much more profound can you get! It's a great message for us all to take in and believe.
A few months ago, Matt asked me to sit down with him and share my 'healing journey" story so that he could use it for a sermon about "Living with the End in Mind". A tough subject to talk about. After our conversation, he must have found something worthwhile, because he asked me if I would consider telling my story again, but this time with a video camera rolling so that it could be shared on Easter Sunday. How could I not say yes, when God has given me such a powerful gift in learning how to live my life for every day and to live in trust not in fear of him of what might happen. Matt's sermon was very powerful and I'm am so thankful to have been part of a message that shared how we are made for life!
Last week, I continued to feel really good. Again, I walked to and from work several days as my schedule and the weather permitted. I also saw my radiation oncologist on Thursday. My visit went well and Dr. Stroud is very pleased with the MRI results. We talked about some slight tingling I have been feeling in my tongue over the last few days. His thought at the time could be one of three things causing this sympton....resistant tumor, scar tissue or rejuvination of the nerves after all of the radiation I've been through. If it is by chance resistant tumor, it has remained unchanged since my January MRI. Dr. Stroud thinks that this is something that I shouldn't lose any sleep over...and I can tell you...I'm not!
I saw my medical oncologist today. Blood work is still good and all my neurological signs are good. Her and Dr. Stroud consulted and concluded that they think the tingling in my tongue is most likely a side effect of the Carboplatin. I'm going with that and still won't lose any sleep over it. I took my second round of infusion of Carboplatin this morning. Still all is going well....no hives, no adverse reaction right now. I did come home and went to bed. They pump me with Benadryl which just knocks me out. But I'm back to work tomorrow and looking forward to being productive for the rest of the week.
Well, these are the events of the last 2 weeks. Things are going so well and I am so pumped about everything. I for sure wouldn't be able to do any of this with out all of the prayers and support from everyone. Thank you all so much for the relentless prayers and all continues to go well. God is hearing our prayers and answering our faithfuness with positive results.....woohoo!!!
This is a life worth living and let's give it all we got!
Peace and love,
Sandy
Monday, March 29th was a new chemotherapy day. It was a day that gave me the ultimate 'high' because of my MRI news. All week long, I've been feeling so good and even walked to and from work a few days (only a mile each way) when the weather cooperated.
Easter Sunday, April 4th was an awesome day. A little background...a week after my diagnosis (Nov. '09), we began attending a wonderful church called 'The Gathering". Our Easter service was at The Pageant in the University City loop. You could just feel God's presence all around you. The power and the spirit filled the venue and was so amazing. Our pastor, Matt Miofsky, is a gifted speaker and delivered a message that was very inspiring...."We are made for life, so we need to start living it." How much more profound can you get! It's a great message for us all to take in and believe.
A few months ago, Matt asked me to sit down with him and share my 'healing journey" story so that he could use it for a sermon about "Living with the End in Mind". A tough subject to talk about. After our conversation, he must have found something worthwhile, because he asked me if I would consider telling my story again, but this time with a video camera rolling so that it could be shared on Easter Sunday. How could I not say yes, when God has given me such a powerful gift in learning how to live my life for every day and to live in trust not in fear of him of what might happen. Matt's sermon was very powerful and I'm am so thankful to have been part of a message that shared how we are made for life!
Last week, I continued to feel really good. Again, I walked to and from work several days as my schedule and the weather permitted. I also saw my radiation oncologist on Thursday. My visit went well and Dr. Stroud is very pleased with the MRI results. We talked about some slight tingling I have been feeling in my tongue over the last few days. His thought at the time could be one of three things causing this sympton....resistant tumor, scar tissue or rejuvination of the nerves after all of the radiation I've been through. If it is by chance resistant tumor, it has remained unchanged since my January MRI. Dr. Stroud thinks that this is something that I shouldn't lose any sleep over...and I can tell you...I'm not!
I saw my medical oncologist today. Blood work is still good and all my neurological signs are good. Her and Dr. Stroud consulted and concluded that they think the tingling in my tongue is most likely a side effect of the Carboplatin. I'm going with that and still won't lose any sleep over it. I took my second round of infusion of Carboplatin this morning. Still all is going well....no hives, no adverse reaction right now. I did come home and went to bed. They pump me with Benadryl which just knocks me out. But I'm back to work tomorrow and looking forward to being productive for the rest of the week.
Well, these are the events of the last 2 weeks. Things are going so well and I am so pumped about everything. I for sure wouldn't be able to do any of this with out all of the prayers and support from everyone. Thank you all so much for the relentless prayers and all continues to go well. God is hearing our prayers and answering our faithfuness with positive results.....woohoo!!!
This is a life worth living and let's give it all we got!
Peace and love,
Sandy
Monday, March 29, 2010
New Chemo Drug Today
I woke up this morning so thankful for this beautiful, sunny day. I am so blessed.
I went to St. John's this morning for my first infusion of chemo. They gave me an anti-nausea drug, Decadron (a steroid), Benadryl and then the Carboplatin. So far, no hives, no nausea, just tired.....but all in all, I think it went well. I came home and slept most of the day. The nurses are still having a problem with my veins rolling when they try to insert the IV. I've always had really good veins, but this past week has been a challenge for them. My arms are starting to look like I'm a drug addict. Although, I guess in a way, I kind of am!
My oncologist came by the treatment room this morning and gave us the results of the MRI done last Wednesday. We have some good news to share!! I have NO tumor regrowth in the original tumor site nor do they see any other abnormalities in other parts of my brain.
Alleluia...Praise God!!! Our prayers are being answered everyone!! We are winning this battle and God is rewarding us for our courage and strength and placing our faith and trust in him. Thank you all, my "prayer warriors" once again, for fighting this battle with me. I cannot do this alone and you all lifting me up to the Lord has given me strength and comfort. Each of you are my inspiration!!
My next chemo treatment should be April 13th. I see my onologist on Monday, April 5. Hopefully my blood counts will continue to remain stable. My followup radiation oncologist appointment is April 8th, so we will see what he has to say. I'm sure he will be pleased with the results of the MRI.
I can't help but wonder if something good is coming out of the challenges I faced with the Temodar. I asked the nurse today during my treatment what I should do with the leftover Temodar, since I will for sure not take this drug again. I wasn't sure if there are mandatory disposal rules for chemotherapy drugs. She told me that I could bring in any unused drugs and they will give it those people who are struggling to afford the cost of chemotherapy. It's incredibly expensive and I am so fortunate to have medical insurance. It makes me feel good to to know that I can help someone who cannot normally afford the exorbitant cost of this cancer care.
This journey is teaching me so much. I know this sounds cliche, but everything does happen for a reason and God has not given me more than I can handle, because I am living it everyday. Thank God!
Peace and love,
Sandy
I went to St. John's this morning for my first infusion of chemo. They gave me an anti-nausea drug, Decadron (a steroid), Benadryl and then the Carboplatin. So far, no hives, no nausea, just tired.....but all in all, I think it went well. I came home and slept most of the day. The nurses are still having a problem with my veins rolling when they try to insert the IV. I've always had really good veins, but this past week has been a challenge for them. My arms are starting to look like I'm a drug addict. Although, I guess in a way, I kind of am!
My oncologist came by the treatment room this morning and gave us the results of the MRI done last Wednesday. We have some good news to share!! I have NO tumor regrowth in the original tumor site nor do they see any other abnormalities in other parts of my brain.
Alleluia...Praise God!!! Our prayers are being answered everyone!! We are winning this battle and God is rewarding us for our courage and strength and placing our faith and trust in him. Thank you all, my "prayer warriors" once again, for fighting this battle with me. I cannot do this alone and you all lifting me up to the Lord has given me strength and comfort. Each of you are my inspiration!!
My next chemo treatment should be April 13th. I see my onologist on Monday, April 5. Hopefully my blood counts will continue to remain stable. My followup radiation oncologist appointment is April 8th, so we will see what he has to say. I'm sure he will be pleased with the results of the MRI.
I can't help but wonder if something good is coming out of the challenges I faced with the Temodar. I asked the nurse today during my treatment what I should do with the leftover Temodar, since I will for sure not take this drug again. I wasn't sure if there are mandatory disposal rules for chemotherapy drugs. She told me that I could bring in any unused drugs and they will give it those people who are struggling to afford the cost of chemotherapy. It's incredibly expensive and I am so fortunate to have medical insurance. It makes me feel good to to know that I can help someone who cannot normally afford the exorbitant cost of this cancer care.
This journey is teaching me so much. I know this sounds cliche, but everything does happen for a reason and God has not given me more than I can handle, because I am living it everyday. Thank God!
Peace and love,
Sandy
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Off to buy a wig today..
I rise out of the old and into the new.
I've had two good days of solid rest and it has helped me tremendously. Now that I've finally gotten out of bed and looked in the mirror...oh my...I need some hair!
As with everything on this journey, I've done nothing with in the ordinary. Hair loss occurs in a very small percentage of patients who take Temodar. Of course...I fall into that small percentage! Anyhow...Carboplatin, the chemo drug I start taking Monday, causes hair loss too. SO......wig shopping today! No....folks.....I'm not coming home 'platinum blonde'!
The sun is shining, thank you Lord for another beautiful day!
I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might. Isaiah 12:2
Peace,
Sandy
I've had two good days of solid rest and it has helped me tremendously. Now that I've finally gotten out of bed and looked in the mirror...oh my...I need some hair!
As with everything on this journey, I've done nothing with in the ordinary. Hair loss occurs in a very small percentage of patients who take Temodar. Of course...I fall into that small percentage! Anyhow...Carboplatin, the chemo drug I start taking Monday, causes hair loss too. SO......wig shopping today! No....folks.....I'm not coming home 'platinum blonde'!
The sun is shining, thank you Lord for another beautiful day!
I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might. Isaiah 12:2
Peace,
Sandy
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